One suave Chester actor could be about to replace another in one of the movie world's most coveted roles.

Tom Hughes is rumoured to have come to the attention of the prolific producer of the James Bond film series Barbara Broccoli thanks to his impressive performance in BBC Cold War thriller The Game, for which he won rave reviews.

Now Rada- trained Tom could have licence to thrill as Secret Service agent 007, having been tipped to replace Chester-born Daniel Craig.

A source told the Mirror: "Barbara has told those around her how impressed she was with Tom in The Game.

“She thinks he is very talented and has been looking at all his shows to see if he is up for the role.”

The rising star is currently starring in arguably his biggest role to date as Prince Albert in ITV's Victoria, but has also appeared in legal drama Silk and Richard Curtis comedy About Time as well as modelling gigs for the likes of Burberry.

And it seems former Upton-by-Chester High School student Tom would neither be shaken nor stirred by the pressure of taking on a huge role like James Bond.

Last year, he revealed he would love to step into Mr Craig's shoes.

He said: “Would I like to be James Bond? There’s not many people who wouldn’t want to be James Bond.

“If someone sits me down and offers me James Bond one day, it’d be an incredible day.

"I would strongly consider that. No one’s asked me to play it yet, but I’d love them to ask.”

Other names being touted to become the next 007 are Idris Elba, Tom Hiddlestone and Aidan Turner.