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James Bond: Inside life of Scottish star Stuart Martin emerging as favourite to replace Daniel Craig

James Bond fans are desperate to find a replacement for Daniel Craig, and it is said that a relatively unknown Scottish actor might be a “serious” contender.

While the identity of the upcoming lead actor is still a mystery, a significant development for the franchise has been revealed: Amazon MGM Studios has entered a deal with the Broccoli family, producer Michael Wilson, and the Broccoli family to transfer the rights to the movies’ creative rights.

Ayrshire-born Stuart Martin, who is rumored to be a big favorite for the prestigious role, is a star, but who is he? Many people speculated that the Scottish actor is going to be Craig’s replacement, despite the reports that he reportedly impressed producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

Starring in lead roles for Channel 4 and Netflix, it came as a surprise, with the Scottish actor emerging as a new name in the running among the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, James Norton, and many others linked to the role. However, he might have a chance following reports that bosses were “eyeing” him for the role.

According to a Hollywood consultant with experience with the Bond films, “Stuart is the name that has been discussed in Bond circles by those in the know.” He would become the first Scottish Bond since Sean Connery if he were to become the next 007. Here’s all we know about him so far…

Lisa McGrillis and Stuart Martin
Stuart has been married to Lisa McGrillis since 2015 (Dave Benett/WireImage)
Stuart Martin with his wife Lisa
Stuart Martin with his wife Lisa (Instagram)

Life off-screen

Stuart is a 39-year-old actor from Ayrshire in Scotland. According to the Daily Record, he first took his first major acting role in 2014 while attending the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Since 2015, he has met British actress Lisa McGrillis at a Christmas party at the National Theatre bar. They are believed to be living in London with their two children, a son and a daughter.

Lead roles

The actor made a splash on the scene in Channel 4’s comedy-drama ‘ Babylon ‘ back in 2014, playing PC Tony Forbes. From there, he snagged parts in historical epics like ‘ Medici: Masters of Florence ‘ and ‘ Jamestown. ‘ His stardom really rose when he took the role of DI William Wellington in the period drama “Miss Scarlet and The Duke,” which will continue to air for four rousing seasons until 2024.

He also took on the role of Den in Netflix’s sci-fi and action movie ‘ Rebel Moon’. However, Barbara Broccoli may have been drawn to Bond producer Barbara Broccoli’s interest in Bradley Cage’s tough guy boots in Zack Snyder’s rip-roaring 2021 film “Army of Thieves,” especially after those thrilling shootout scenes where Martin threw himself at cars in a show of stunts.

As Martin explained to Untitled Magazine, “Brad is a muscle head, so I was just smashing the gym and training in the months leading up to try and give him that look and feel.” For his role in “Army of Thieves,” Martin had to transform into a genuine action figure.

Stuart Martin
Stuart starred as Den in Netflix’s Rebel Moon (Getty Images for Netflix)
Stuart Martin
The actor has some impressive roles (Getty Images) secured.

He also addressed Lewis Magazine about the incredible experience of working on set, saying, “We got to do some really cool stuff with some of the heists.” We were filmed by our stunt director attempting to do bizarre stunts, jumping into moving vans, and doing it in the air.

Martin isn’t slowing down either as he’s working on the upcoming drama “In Flight,” which is scheduled to premiere later this year on Channel 4.

Bond rumours

Stuart Martin
Stuart is said to be a frontrunner to become the next 007 (Dave Benett/WireImage)

Industry insiders murmur that Martin’s work on ‘ Army of Thieves ‘ and ‘ Rebel Moon ‘ (2023), which is also directed by Zack Synder, showcase an impressive resume of action sequences, significantly boosting his chances with 007 bosses. Stuart is the name that has been discussed in Bond circles by those who are familiar with the film industry and an LA consultant who has worked on the Bond franchise.

“He is in serious contention. Because Eon goes to great lengths to refute and shy away from casting, no one will be able to confirm this. However, it would be an amazing achievement to have a Scottish Bond once more.

The insider also mentioned that while Stuart is a frontrunner, he still has ‘ hurdles to jump through’, including various meetings so that Eon can ‘ get a feel for his personality’. They elaborated further: “And let’s not forget, Eon doesn’t give a damn whether the man who lands the job is famous or not. It’s about obtaining the man they want and choosing the ideal partner for this transformative encounter. It is more pressure, scrutiny and stress than any other movie role”.

It comes as Eon boss Barbara Broccoli reportedly watched as Aaron Taylor Johnson reportedly completed a screen test at Pinewood Studios in March 2022. Despite the lackluster reviews of his most recent film, “Kraven the Hunter,” it’s said that producers have doubts about his “credibility” for the iconic role.

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Andrew Tate sickens fans with vile Ariana Grande comment as he’s branded ‘gross’

With his “sick” statement directed at Ariana Grande, Andrew Tate has stoked controversy.

The self-proclaimed ‘ misogynist ‘ and former professional kickboxer, 38, shared a vile remark about Wicked star Ariana. In Romania, Tate and her brother Tristan are currently facing charges of human trafficking and organizing a group to sexually exploit women. He is also accused of rape.

If found guilty, the pair’s attorneys have both vehemently refuted the accusations made against them. After being accused of making offensive remarks on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, Tete was suspended from TikTok, TikTok, and YouTube. He also claimed that women should take responsibility for sexual assaults. However, his X account is still active.

He uses the platform, owned by Elon Musk, to spout his views and has taken aim at Ariana in his latest post. Tate said: “I’m sorry Ariana Grande you’re too skinny and I would no longer f**k you. Access denied”. He then left a comment below the star’s social media photo after making the crude remark.

Ariana “sees like a crack h*e,” Tate claimed. Why do men think it’s okay to comment on women’s bodies, a question that many social media users raised quickly was addressed by Tate. Another continued, “This tweet is the most disrespectful and disgusting I’ve seen today. Why are people using this app still this stupid? Absolutely ridiculous”.

Andrew Tate
Tate made the comment on his X account (Andrew Tate/Instagram)
Ariana Grande
He made vile remarks about Ariana (Getty Images)).

Someone else commented: “Dude, you are gross”. A fourth wrote: “She’s more famous than you, has more money, more success, has an amazing reputation, and hasn’t been to jail”. Another fan said, “Imagine thinking you had access to deny in the first place.” Ariana Grande wasn’t at the door, mate, she was on a private jet flying over it”. A user fumed: “Access denied??? no one ever requested it.

Tate and brother Tristan’s money was stolen by Devon and Cornwall Police in a legal bid to seize it in December. They owe nothing in taxes on the £21 million in online business revenue that they generated. Police are able to seize more than £2 million from the brothers, according to the chief magistrate. In response, Tate said the ruling “is not justice” and is instead a “co-ordinated attack”.

The Tates and a woman who was only identified as J. made a legal bid to seize the funds that were in seven frozen bank accounts. What appeared to be a “complex financial matrix” was actually a “straightforward cheat of the revenue,” chief magistrate Paul Goldspring argued in his ruling at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The brothers had previously claimed that she had no connection to their businesses and had previously invested just under 12 million US dollars in an account named J. Cryptocurrency was a source of some of the money the force used to seize, including J’s own account.

Prior to 2014 and 2022, the Tate brothers were charged with paying no taxes on the money earned from their online businesses in any nation. All three defendants had filed a lawsuit against Devon and Cornwall Police, alleging that they were attempting to recover around £2.8 million from seven frozen bank accounts.

If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www. rapecrisis. org. uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999

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Iconic Bond Girl fears James Bond ‘won’t be British anymore’ as Amazon takes over

Valerie Leon, a James Bond actress, has expressed concern that the 007 character’s creators will no longer be British because of Amazon MGM Studios’ creative control.

Eon Productions, run by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli who have produced the franchise since the death of Albert “Cubby” Broccoli are set to remain co-owners with Washington-based Amazon MGM Studios, which has offices in London.

Since Daniel Craig’s final performance in 2021’s No Time To Die, there has been more speculation about the series’ future, and no new actor has been named for the role.

In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, including the rights to distribute James Bond movies, and will now be in charge of the intellectual property rights.

Wilson will leave film work behind to “focus on art and charitable projects”, while Broccoli is going to do “other projects”, the duo said.

Leon, 81, was a “Bond girl” in the films The Spy Who Loved Me and Never Say Never Again, alongside Sir Roger Moore and Sir Sean Connery.

Bernard Delfont with actresses Dame Joanna Lumley and Julie Ege, former Miss World Eva Ruber-Staier and actress Valerie Leon
Valerie Leon, former Miss World Eva Ruber-Staier, and actress Dame Joanna Lumley and Julie Ege (PA Archive/PA Images), with Bernard Delfont (PA Archive/PA Images).

She told ITV’s Good Morning Britain that it does not worry her as “life changes, and everything moves on and changes”.

Leon added: “The Bond franchise was very British and it won’t be anymore”.

“And obviously if they make films they won’t go into the cinema… everything is so changed now, it just won’t be the same and I’m very old-fashioned anyway”.

Since the first 007 movie Dr No in 1962, the official Bond film franchise has been controlled by members of the American-British Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others.

The Broccoli family and Amazon MGM Studios “have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights,” according to a statement released on Thursday, and those parties will continue to own the franchise.

Following the closing of the transaction, “Amazon MGM Studios will take creative control of the James Bond franchise,” according to the statement.

Everything or Nothing screening London
Valerie Leon (PA Archive/PA Images)
close up of Jeff Bezos smiling
Jeff Bezos ‘ Amazon has taken over the James Bond franchise (Dave J. Hogan/Getty Images)

London-raised Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson have produced the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Spectre and No Time To Die.

They were honored with CBEs as British-American citizens, and they were honored with Sir Sam Mendes, the director of Skyfall, for their outstanding British film Bafta, in 2012.

The spin-off Bond Prime Video game show 007: Road To A Million, starring Succession actor Brian Cox, was released in 2023. It will make a second series of the show.

Shortly after the deal was announced, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos stuck a post on Instagram, asking his followers: “Who’d you pick as the next Bond”?

Previous reports in the Wall Street Journal claimed Broccoli and Amazon MGM Studios had been at odds with one another over creative control, and that the company wanted to ‘expande Bond into TV and other industries.

The deal is expected to close in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the PA news agency understands.

Racergoer leaves people completely speechless as she reveals mum is huge comedian

When a race fan revealed that her mother is a huge Doctor Who star, people were gobsmacked.

The woman took part in the “Who’s your most famous contact”? trend that is currently popular on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. One woman pulled her mother’s name out of her phone, which was funny because many people frequently joke about who they have in their contacts.

A woman is shown who her famous contact is in a video that was posted online by a sporting organization before saying she wasn’t “bovvered” about revealing who her mother was. In the viral clip which has been viewed over 13.6 million times on TikTok, the interview asks: “Who is your most famous contact”?

“My mum”, the woman responded. But the interviewer was left completely stunned by the revelation as she exclaimed: “Am I bovvered”?! which is one of Catherine Tate’s most well-known lines from her role Lauren, which she played between 2004 and 2007? The woman and the Invades interviewer’s companions also had a disbelief.

A racegoer revealed her mum was Catherine Tate (@invades__/Instagram)
Catherine was in Los Angeles when her daughter FaceTime called her
Catherine was in Los Angeles when her daughter FaceTime called her (@erinjclark/TikTok)

“I’m not bovvered but you are”, the woman in question later said. However, the woman’s mother, Catherine Tate, was the subject of the video’s cut shortly after. She said to her mum: “It’s called Invades, say hi”, as Catherine said hello to the camera. Her daughter Erin Clark, 22, later added: “She’s in LA right now, living the life”.

But Catherine couldn’t stay on the line for too long as she explained: “I can’t really hear because I’m on the freeway”, before Erin said: “She’s on the freeway in LA, she’s got better things to do than be at the races. Thank you for coming by, Mum! Love you”. The post was flooded with over 1, 000 comments.

“No way, I would never shut up if Catherine Tate was my mum”, said one. A second added: “Catherine Tate being your mum is the biggest flex”. Meanwhile a third typed: “Nah that’s a flex, Cathrine Tate is your mum”. “She looks just like her mum”, added a fourth. A fifth shocked social media user penned: “I’m not bothered. constantly brought me to mind Catherine Tate!!! That is actually her mother, wow!

Catherine's daughter used her Lauren character's famous 'Am I bovved?' quote
Catherine’s daughter used her Lauren character’s famous ‘ Am I bovved? ‘ quote (BBC)

Catherine shares her daughter with stage manager, Twig Clark. Now, she’s happily married to American screenwriter, with reports suggesting they became an item in 2018. Speaking about their relationship, a source previously told The Mail On Sunday: “Catherine and Jeff have known each other for years.

” Jeff is a screenwriter, so he and Catherine have been working on several writing projects together. He’s a funny, good-looking guy but it’s been hard for his ex-wife to deal with the fact that he is dating someone so famous. However, the hilarious actress maintains a private life and avoids the public eye.

A source informed her about her decision to relocate to Los Angeles, noting that she is well-known in the US but not as well-known as she is in Britain. They continued, “She and Jeff have been able to keep their relationship under the radar because of this. It’s not like they have been hiding. They have spoken openly about getting married and have been talking about their relationship. They are deeply romantically and joyful. They can’t wait to start this next chapter of their lives together. “

Day parties are held at racetracks and stadiums all over the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, thanks to INVADES, an events and media company.

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Kate Middleton ‘determined to remain in charge after all she has been through’ – expert

Since the Christmas break, The Princess of Wales has unanticipatedly had a busy diary.

Kate, 43, has gradually resumed her royal duties since receiving her chemotherapy treatment a year ago after receiving a shock cancer diagnosis. She has also traveled to a London gallery for school, supported a children’s hospice, and even visited a prison.

However, she has reportedly taken a break from the public this week with a trip to the sun-soaked island of Mustique with Prince William and their three children.

Wiliam and Kate with their three children George, Charlotte and Louis
George, Charlotte, and Louis (PA), their three children, are now theirs.

Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are scheduled to return to school for half-term next week, and the trio are celebrating the holiday. Will Kate resume her royal duties now that the kids are back at school?

Ex-BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond claims that Kate will continue to set her own course as she works her way up her schedule. She told the Mirror, “We have already seen more of her than we anticipated in these first months of the year, so that augurs well.”

She will, in my opinion, be determined to keep her own schedule in mind and set the time and frequency for which we will see her performing public service and returning to full-time work. After all that she has been through, she has no doubt done that.

Their Waleses’ trip to the Caribbean reportedly included Carole and Michael, Kate’s parents. According to Jennie, “Musique is a very special place for them and has long been a Middleton family favorite.” Because Catherine’s parents were present on vacation, they both enjoyed the added benefit of having some extra childcare and the company of people they genuinely enjoy.

William and Kate at the BAFTAs in 2023
William and Kate at the BAFTAs in 2023 (AP)

“They may well have stayed at a very luxurious villa owned by one of William’s friends, where they have stayed before. On this extremely private island, it’s the epitome of luxury. And I can only imagine how much the kids would adore the sandy beaches and infinity pools with ocean views and kid-friendly play areas.

After such a brutal year, the entire family needed “Life in Mustique” was incredibly relaxed and laid-back. During her cancer treatment, Catherine recalled how she yearned for sunshine. Therefore, visiting an island where the sea is warm all day and the sun shines all day makes sense.

Due to William’s leadership as the Academy’s president, they have attended the BAFTAs numerous times in the past, but the holiday did mean that they were unable to attend last week’s event.

Although it was made known in advance that neither he nor Kate would be present, Jennie continued, “Williams has been president of BAFTA for 15 years, but he doesn’t attend the awards ceremony every year.” “And, in any case, I don’t think anyone would begrudge him and his family a week or so in the sunshine.

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James Bond boss Barbara Broccoli’s sad split with toyboy James Martin and his sad regret

James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and his romantic relationship ended in regret for him.

The glamorous Hollywood film producer, 64, dated the Saturday Morning host, 52, for four and a half years when James was 29 and Barbara was 41.

The TV chef, who won him at an auction in 2001 and paid a staggering £18, 000 for him to cook her dinner, is now happily dating personal trainer Kim Johnson. But it’s unlikely that he will ever forget his early romance with Barbara, a powerful woman 12 years his senior, who had won his heart at an auction in 2001.

At the time, James was a rising star on the culinary scene, while Barbara was already a formidable name in Hollywood. Barbara was a true Tinseltown royalty, the daughter of legendary film producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, while James was the son of a catering manager.

Despite the wildly different worlds in which they moved, the chalk and cheese couple’s connection was quickly apparent, and, as James put it in his 2009 memoir Driven, they ‘ just clicked’. Impressed by James ‘ kitchen skills, Barbara booked him again for a birthday meal, and sparks soon flew.

James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli
James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli (WireImage)
james martin
Barbara gravitated toward the chef (PA) because of his cooking.

After Barbara introduced Malton-born James to A-list friends like Nicole Kidman and Halle Berry, and he was invited to attend showbiz events, a thrilling romance developed. He could not have imagined that she would give him lavish gifts beyond his wildest dreams. James, now 51, described his shock after Barbara gave him a Picaccaso painting for his birthday after he’d admired it at an exhibition in a piece he wrote for the MailOnline in 2008.

Describing their time together as the ‘ most surreal, exciting and unforgettable four-and-a-half years ‘ of his life,.James revealed: “Barbara had an astonishing ability to remember detail. She would have discovered it and purchased it for you if you had said you liked it six months or a year later.

Ronan Keating had a fantastic Tiffany ring on his little finger when he appeared on Top of the Pops. I liked it in a positive way. Barbara got me an identical ring that Christmas, inscribing inside with our saying: ‘ Being with you is as easy as breathing’. “

Barbara’s generosity with gift-giving ultimately spelled doom for their romance, however, with one luxury present exposing the vast chasm between them. Five years after that fateful auction brought them together, Barbara, now 63, offered to treat her younger beau to a £180, 000 Aston Martin – a gesture that left him feeling uncomfortable.

Remembering this significant turning point in Driven, James recalled:” It wasn’t as if it was my birthday or Christmas – it was just a spur-of-the-moment thought. It was a defining moment in our relationship. Deep down, I knew there was always going to be an imbalance. “

On reflection, however, James admitted that breaking up with Barbara may well have been ‘ the daftest thing I have done in my life’. Expressing regret over speaking publicly about their relationship, James added:” It was a big mistake. I stupidly didn’t listen to people, but I won’t be doing that again. “

James Martin and Barbara Broccoli smiling together in 2004
Barbara Broccoli (Getty) and James Marting once dated each other in Hollywood.

James couldn’t help but wonder what assumptions other people had been making about his motivations because of the age difference between them.

When it was just the two of us, James wrote, “The days that really stand out to me are those that are those that are. It would be our turn to turn off our cell phones. The age gap didn’t help matters in public. When we went to functions I felt uncomfortable when people looked at me, this nobody, and probably thought, ‘ He’s with her for the money’. “

He continued:” But I never wanted anything from Barbara. Although there were times I refused to go where I didn’t want to go, it could be because of male pride. When I said I hated us being apart, she said: ‘ Why don’t you give it all up, then? I’ll look after you’. That was the last thing I wanted. to receive a weekly check? No thanks. I wanted to work. “

Along with Michael G. Wilson, Barbara co-produced the James Bond series. Before the eagerly awaited release of the next James Bond movie, she was once again in the limelight thanks to the announcement that Amazon had taken control of 007. Eon Productions, run by Michael and Barbara, announced it will be co-owners with Amazon MGM Studios. – which was created when Amazon bought Bond’s parent studio just three years ago.

Members of the Broccoli family have been tasked with the Bond movie franchise since 1962, with Barbara taking over as Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, her late father, as the film producer, after his passing.

In May of this year, a previous version of this story was released.

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