Sam Heughan has emerged as one of the top contenders to play the iconic spy James Bond after Daniel Craig stepped down.
The Dumfries born actor, best known for his role as Highland warrior Jamie Fraser in Diana Gabaldon's historical fantasy series Outlander, addressed the 007 rumours in a recent interview.
It comes as Craig, 53, who first took on the role for 2006's Casino Royale, has left the franchise after five films.
Discussing James Bond with with the Sunday Times, Sam, 41, admitted that he actually auditioned for the role in 2006 back when Daniel Craig was hired.
Sam told the publication he thinks the next film in the franchise will go “back to where it all began”, but he would love to throw his kilt in the ring.
“I think any British actor would. What would I bring? Scottish charm and a slight humour.”
Speaking on Alex Zane's podcast Just The Facts, Sam admitted it would be 'amazing' as he discussed the internet speculation and hype around him joining MI6 in the next Bond flick.
He told the podcast: "It's all media and it's all just... there's no weight to it at all, there's no truth to it. But having said that, you can't help but then think 'God, it would be amazing".
"I have been up for Bond, I went up when they did Bond 21.
"It was an amazing experience and I was completely out of my depth. But I think now I feel the right age for it, I feel capable enough to do it, I'd love the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring. Definitely."
Sam previously told Scottish Field magazine that he would "jump at the chance to play a character like that" when asking about playing 007.
He also discussed the other famous faces to play the womanising spy: "This is quite controversial. Sean Connery was, of course, iconic. I’ve worked with Roger Moore and loved his take on it.
"He was a total gentleman. But I actually liked Timothy Dalton. In The Living Daylights, I thought he was kind of dark, and I enjoyed that."
Even Sam's Outlander co-star and Men in Kilts collaborator fellow Scotsman Graham McTavish has even expressed an interest in playing a Bond villain.
In an interview in this month’s Scottish Field magazine, McTavish said: “In terms of film, I would love to be a Bond villain.
“That would be a massive dream come true. I would pretty much retire at that point."
Would you like to see another Scotsman take on the role? Do you think Sam would be a good James Bond? Let us know in the comments.
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