James Norton 'got death threats' after playing Happy Valley baddie

Actor, starring in BBC crime drama McMafia, says threats would be nothing new after playing Tommy Lee Royce

The actor James Norton has revealed that he received death threats after playing the villain in the BBC drama series Happy Valley and dismissed rumours that he could be the next James Bond as “mad”.

Norton, who also starred in War & Peace and Grantchester, said his role as Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley led to death threats when he was buying milk in his local shop.

The 32-year-old actor made the comments in an interview with the Radio Times to mark the start of new BBC crime drama McMafia, in which he plays the British-raised son of Russian mafia exiles.

“Some people have asked me if I’m worried about getting death threats for exposing how the Russian mafia works. That would be nothing new. Playing Tommy Lee Royce, I’d get death threats buying milk in my local shop,” he said.

Norton’s role as the lead character in McMafia is likely to lead to an increase in speculation that he could replace Daniel Craig as James Bond. Some bookmakers, including William Hill, have ranked Norton as the favourite to play Bond next, ahead of Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, and Michael Fassbender.

The opening scene in McMafia involves Norton arriving at the V&A in London in a tuxedo, a style of dress synonymous with Bond. However, the actor said reports he could play Bond were “total speculation”.

Norton said: “I did say to James Watkins, the director, ‘are you just baiting me and stoking the rumour fire with scenes like that?’ When it’s reported in the press, people assume that I’ve co-ordinated the scene, but I promise you I didn’t.

“The truth is that it’s total speculation. It’s really humbling and flattering, but to have my name next to the likes of Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender is just mad. If you’re thinking of putting a bet on me, keep your money in your pocket.”

Norton said working on McMafia had felt like a “step up” due to the talent involved in the project. The series has been bought by the US cable network AMC and will air in more than 200 countries.

“McMafia feels so relevant. It feels as if the world wants to look behind the curtains of what’s going on in America and Russia,” Norton said. “Selfishly, it feels a step up. The budget we have, an Oscar-nominated writer, all the talent. It’s terrifying in a way because there’s nowhere to hide.”

McMafia is on New Year’s Day and 2 January, 9pm, BBC One

Contributor

Graham Ruddick

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
BBC biggest winner at Baftas as Happy Valley and Damilola head award roll call
Comedy laurels go to newcomer Phoebe Waller-Bridge for Fleabag, as The Crown fails to live up to expectations for Netflix

Hannah Ellis-Petersen

14, May, 2017 @9:40 PM

Article image
Sherlock's future in doubt as stars' Hollywood schedules fill
Benedict Cumberbatch says his character in BBC1 drama, back on Sunday for possibly its last series, is becoming ‘less of a dick’

Jasper Jackson

30, Dec, 2016 @12:01 AM

Article image
Women in TV aren't trusted as writers, claims Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright
Sally Wainwright, who also wrote for Coronation Street, speaks out about inequality in the broadcasting industry

Graham Ruddick Media editor

24, Jul, 2017 @11:01 PM

Article image
Happy Valley producer: Gritty north? ‘I get very cross about that phrase’
Red Productions founder Nicola Shindler on making drama from Manchester which shows humour and warmth

Frances Perraudin

24, Jul, 2016 @11:59 AM

Article image
BBC defends TV drama about search for Shannon Matthews
The Moorside depicts events surrounding 2008 abduction but grandparents of the schoolgirl say show is ‘sick and disgusting’

Helen Pidd North of England editor

06, Feb, 2017 @3:50 PM

Article image
Sherlock finale watched by smallest audience in show's history
Critics divided on last episode of series four, His Final Problem, a Russian version of which was leaked online

Jasper Jackson

16, Jan, 2017 @12:30 PM

Article image
Bergerac 2.0: Jersey detective’s return is a remake too far
With searches under way for the next Bond and a regenerated time lord, it’s time they gave us new heroes

Vanessa Thorpe

24, Oct, 2021 @9:30 AM

Article image
JK Rowling crime novels to be adapted for BBC series
Crime novels The Cuckoo’s Calling and The Silkworm, written under the author’s pseudonym, to form the basis of new drama

John Plunkett

11, Dec, 2014 @12:01 AM

Article image
Happy Valley writer: I don't have to apologise for show's violence
Sally Wainwright, creator of the hit BBC1 drama, defends the depiction of brutality and says storylines were carefully considered

Maggie Brown

24, May, 2014 @11:05 PM

Article image
Sherlock’s back and it's fast, fun, flashy, fantastic
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return in The Abominable Bride

Lucy Mangan

02, Jan, 2016 @12:13 AM