Legendary Hollywood director lined up for huge role on new James Bond film

HIS new World War Two film Blitz blew me away when I saw it at the pictures earlier this week.

But Sir Steve McQueen has his eye on another potential blockbuster.

Insiders tell me that the 12 Years a Slave director has caught the attention of James Bond bosses.

And given his track record on the big screen, I’m not surprised they want in.

A source said: “Steve is one of the UK’s best filmmakers and has an incredible vision.

“The word is that the Bond producers wanted to see if Steve would ever consider having a hand in one of the films and they got a positive response.

“It would be incredible if it came off.”

When I reached out to Steve’s representatives to ask if the call I’d had was true, I was stunned to receive a very chirpy “no comment” in response.

Considering I was expecting to be stonewalled, I think this tip-off could be on the money.

Casting for the role of the next 007, who was last played by Daniel Craig, is also said to have restarted.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is the man we were told was wanted for the role, but actors including Jacob Elordi and Callum Turner have also been linked to the slick British spy.

If Steve is brought in for the franchise it could also open a door for the brilliant John Boyega, who previously said he would only consider taking the part if Steve was involved.

John had commented: “With Steve McQueen directing, let’s do this. We could show them something different.

“We’ll still bring that sophistication — you know, James Bond has to be James Bond. But we could do something with that.”

I think it could be bloody magic, but then again, I am a super-fan of Steve’s.

But fans of the 007 series could be waiting a while before they see any action.

In 2022, Bond boss Barbara Broccoli said that “filming is at least two years away.”

And seeing as we’re coming to the end of the year and no one is in place, I think we are still quite a way off.

In the meantime, a girl can but hope.

Fluff of dreams, Sophie

Sophie Turner stood out from the crowd at the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards in a funky Louis Vuitton dress.

The Joan actress picked up the performance gong at the posh ceremony in London in front of stars including Jodie Comer, Raye and Vick Hope, who looked amazing in an olive-coloured dress.

Alex Hassell and Aidan Turner were on champagne top-up duty for writing legend Dame Jilly Cooper and their Rivals co-star Bella MacLean.

Maya Jama and Nicola Coughlan also buddied up and were spotted chatting in a corner.

I am guessing Nic might be a Love Island fan . . .

Coco loco, Dua

Dua Lipa tucked into an enormous coconut to celebrate finishing the first two nights of her Radical Optimism world tour in Singapore.

The Training Season singer posted a series of Instagram pictures showing her enjoying a feast in a local market before flying to Indonesia for her next show on Saturday.

It’s a hard life eh, Dua?

Girls’ Sarah sings again

Twenty years after their Children in Need cover of the Pretenders’ I’ll Stand By You topped the charts, Girls Aloud are re-releasing it for the charity once again.

And it features the late Sarah Harding on lead vocals throughout.

The group, made up of Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts and Nadine Coyle, came across this latest version when delving into their archive ahead of their sold-out tour this summer.

Nadine told Zoe Ball on Radio 2 yesterday: “This is the official Children in Need single for 2024.

“We’ve made a new version of I’ll Stand By You which features our wonderful Sarah on lead vocals throughout.

“It really is a special celebration of Sarah and also Girls Aloud’s involvement with Children in Need over the years.”

I am sure it will help raise a lot of cash for an amazing cause.

Rick roll...all way to bank

I can see why Rick Astley is never gonna give up on the music business, he’s cashing in big time.

The Eighties pop star, whose biggest song is used in the Rickroll internet meme, has racked up £9million at his pop firms, which isn’t half bad given many wrote him off as a one-hit wonder three decades ago.

Rick earned £1.6million in 12 months to the end of March 2024 – a period that saw him perform across the country, including at Glastonbury.

His ninth studio album, Are We There Yet?, which hit No2 last year, also helped with the earnings.

Rick has £3.4million in his firm 50/50 Live, £5.2million in 50/50 Media and £500,000 in Ugly Duckling Films.

He will line his pockets even more after the release of his book, Never: The Autobiography, last month. And next month sees him kick off his Swinging Christmas tour – proving to everyone who’s had the last laugh.

This year’s White Label Auction in aid of the Brit Trust raised almost £27,000.

Items included signed test pressings by the 1975, Iggy Pop and Wham!

Since its launch five years ago, the auction has raised £160,000 for the trust, which shares its funds between the Brit School and music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins.

Bandit’s clean bill for ball

Clean Bandit have confirmed they will play the first night of Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball on December 7, alongside Coldplay, Teddy Swims, Tom Grennan and Perrie Edwards.

But that isn’t the only exciting news from the band, inset, as cellist and singer Grace Chatto revealed they’ve written a song they think is perfect for Rihanna.

She told Capital’s Jordan North: “We’ve never actually sent Rihanna a song even though we always write for her, until about a month ago, and we’ve now got a song with her that she might like.”

Her bandmate Jack Patterson added: “We’ve emailed her, basically.”

Given how good they are, Rihanna would be mad not to take a look.

Steve’s rocket fuelled office

Dragons’ Den star Steven Bartlett is going all out to impress at his new headquarters – by splashing out thousands of pounds to put a 22ft space rocket in the reception.

Insiders tell me the entrepreneur and host of the brilliant Diary of a CEO podcast wanted to shock and surprise his staff at the central London office with the fixture.

It will even include a life-size astronaut that floats.

Something tells me Elon Musk might be a bit jealous of this.

My mole said: “Steve, like so many successful entrepreneurs, is something of a maverick.

“He believes that all sorts of little things can make the difference in business.

“In his view, the rocket and astronaut will show that the whole company is aiming for the stars.

“For Steve, it’s all about getting in the head of every individual member of the team – and so making the whole business more creative.

“He can’t wait to see it in all its glory in the office.”

It’s certainly a novel way to stop people working from home.