Luke Evans has denied those James Bond rumours once again, but he really struggled to keep a straight face.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast, the 43-year-old Welsh actor was asked whether he might be taking over from Daniel Craig as the slick British superspy, 007.
Presenter Jon Kay asked the Beauty and the Beast star: “Can we talk about something that you might be doing as there’s a lot of speculation that you might be the next 007?”
Throughout his interview, Luke had spoken directly to the co-hosts, but he began to look away as he gave his spoiler-free response.
“My goodness me, if one more person asks me this, I have no answers to your questions, I don’t know, I don’t know,” he said, avoiding eye contact with the presenters as he broke into a smile.
He continued: “My answer is and will stay that I just feel honoured that I’m part of that group of actors who have been talked about to play that iconic role.
He praised the No Time to Die actor as he added: “And whoever it is, it’s big shoes to fill, great job and great career. Good luck to whoever it is.”
Yet, the presenters didn’t stop there, as Nina Warhurst added: “But you wouldn’t say no.”
Luke said: “I wouldn’t say no. I don’t think anybody in my position would say no to that role, so who knows, I don’t know!”
Jon added: “Have there been conversations?” as Luke choked on a laugh and replied: “Not with me, no.”
However, Nina was not convinced as the actor couldn’t help but smile throughout his attempts to bat the rumours away.
“Looking at your eyes now is he telling the truth?” Nina said, as Jon agreed that he wasn’t sure. Luke’s smile grew as he encouraged them: “Keep looking!”
The co-hosts were delighted with the idea of a “musical bond” as Luke joked he’d be a ‘cheap’ option for the studio as he could perform the theme song, as well as the take on the lead role.
“I have to say if they did cast me, I could do the soundtrack as well as the theme tune, could save them a fortune,” Luke said.
