Who could be the next James Bond? From Tom Hardy to Riz Ahmed 10 actors who could play 007

‘Bridgerton' actor Rege-Jean Page, ‘Outlander' Sam Heughan and ‘In Her Eyes’ star Tom Bateman are also on the list of British stars in contention to play 007

Let’s start with a warning: Idris Elba is not on this list.

As painful as it is to admit – because yes, he would have been so good – at 48, the British star is now too old to take up the mantle of 007.

But, if you're still reading, there are plenty of talented British actors in contention for the role of the enduringly popular super spy to get excited about.

After many setbacks and release delays, No Time to Die, the 25th official Bond film and Daniel Craig's fifth outing as 007, will hit cinemas in October. However, the hunt has been on for Craig's replacement for months.

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For a long time, the triumvirate of Tom Hardy, Charlie Hunnam and Michael Fassbender were the main three names connected with the role, but Fassbender, 43, has long dropped out, admitting, truthfully, that he's too old for the part.

Recently, a slew of actors, including Henry Cavill, Outlander's Sam Heughan and Behind Her Eyes star Tom Bateman have all gone public with their desire to be considered – with Cavill the most outspoken.

Black Panther actor Michael B Jordan's name is also mentioned frequently in relation to the role, but while he would be excellent, the part will likely only ever be played by a British actor.

There are no women in the list because, as producer Barbara Broccoli told Variety last year, "James Bond can be of any colour, but he is male".

"I believe we should be creating new characters for women – strong female characters," she said. I'm not particularly interested in taking a male character and having a woman play it. I think women are far more interesting than that.”

Scroll through the gallery for the 10 actors most likely to be in with a chance of donning Bond’s tuxedo.