From ballet to Bond? Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell 'in talks with producers to replace Daniel Craig as 007'

He got his big break as unlikely ballet dancer Billy Elliot.

And 16 years on, Jamie Bell's career could be heading in an entirely new direction as a new report claims the British actor is in talks to replace Daniel Craig in the James Bond franchise.

Jamie, 30, has met with Bond boss Barbara Broccoli and producers to discuss the coveted part, according to The Sun.

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I spy? Jamie Bell's career could be heading in an entirely new direction as a new report claims the British actor is in talks to replace Daniel Craig in the James Bond franchise

Broccoli, who has been producing the Bond films for twenty years, is behind Jamie's new movie Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool, and is said to have been impressed with his skills. 

'Barbara has been a fan of Jamie for a long time and has even thought about him playing another role in the franchise before,' an insider has told The Sun.

'Everyone remembers Jamie as the little boy in Billy Elliot, but he's now got some serious roles under his belt.' 

He looks the part! Jamie, pictured with his girlfriend Kate Mara, has met with Bond boss Barbara Broccoli and producers to discuss the coveted part, according to The Sun

Since Billy Elliot's release in 2000 Jamie has gone on to land lead roles in King Kong, The Adventures of Tintin and the part of The Thing in Fantastic Four.

And it's not the first time Jamie has been linked to the 007 franchise. 

Back in 2010 there were rumours producers were keen for Jamie to play a rival rookie agent to Craig's Bond in 2012's Skyfall.  

This time around though Jamie could be in line for the lead role, but faces stiff competition from the likes of Tom Hiddleston and Poldark's Aidan Turner, following reports Craig won't be back for another film after last year's Spectre.   

Breakthrough: Since Billy Elliot's release in 2000 Jamie, 30, has gone on to land lead roles in King Kong, Jumper, The Adventures of Tintin and the part of The Thing in Fantastic Four

It was claimed last week that Craig had finally bowed out of the role as the spy after four Bond movies.

Insiders said Craig turned down a £68million offer from MGM studio to return as Bond for two more films following last year’s hit Spectre.

One LA film source said: ‘Daniel is done - pure and simple - he told top brass at MGM after Spectre. They threw huge amounts of money at him, but it just wasn’t what he wanted.

'He had told people after shooting that this would be his final outing, but the film company still felt he could come around after Spectre if he was offered a money deal.’

Saying his goodbyes: It was claimed last week that Craig had finally bowed out of the role as the spy after four Bond movies

Bookmakers recently suspended betting on the next actor to play Bond with Tom the favourite to replace Daniel.

Tom, 35, has played down the speculation, admitting he is frequently asked about the Bond rumours.

He said: 'It’s a weird thing to have to deal with. I’m having unreal conversations with people about this because I don’t know where the rumours have sprung from.

'It’s difficult, because everyone has very strong opinions about Bond, and who should play him. My name is just an idea in people’s minds, yet it’s becoming overwhelming. I have no power to stop it, but I wish I could convince everyone that the whole thing is news to me.’ 

Stiff competition: Tom Hiddleston, 35, is favourite to take over the role after being spotted meeting with Broccoli and director Sam Mendes recently 

In the running? Poldark star Aidan Turner is also one of the favourites to play the next Bond

Meanwhile, speaking to Interview Magazine last year, Jamie admitted he has been keen to take on diverse roles over the past 15 years.

'Someone described my movie career like a pinball machine. They were like, "Oh, you did Tintin. What do you do after that? You went for Nymphomaniac. That makes sense!.'

'Trying to find continuity in it is tricky. Another actor pointed this out to me on a movie a few years ago. He said, "You're always playing orphans. I don't think I've ever seen you play a character where you have both of your parents." It's kind of true.'

'I'm always kind of surprised that I managed to keep working as much as I have. But it's weird. It's an odd collection of work, isn't it?'

Ready to be a Bond girl? As rumours hit about her boyfriend's possible new role, Jamie's girlfriend Kate Mara was seen hitting the gym in sweats on Tuesday

Keeping it in the family: Kate wore a NY Giant's football team sweater, a team that her father owns