Why Tom Hiddleston’s Taylor Swift Romance Won’t Harm His James Bond Chances

Merely a matter of weeks after her break-up with Scots DJ and producer Calvin Harris, the romance between Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston began in ernest.

A raft a tabloid picture exclusives and public displays of affection later, and the pair have leap-frogged George and Amal as the most publicised A-list couple in the world.

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It even has a name… Hiddleswift.

But reports have suggested that the cornball whirlwind romance might have damaged Hiddleston’s chances of becoming the next James Bond.

A ‘Bond insider’ has told The Sun: “Tom’s cool performance in The Night Manager saw him as a late contender for 007, but initial talks have come to an end.

“Bond needs an air of mystery – his public romance with Taylor has made him totally uncastable.”

But would that really have a bearing on Bond-makers Eon?

Ajay Chowdhury, head of the International James Bond fan club, thinks not.

“I’m pretty sure we haven’t come to an X Factor manner of choosing the new Bond where the putative Bond actor’s 'narrative’ matters,” he told Yahoo Movies UK.

“It’s great to see ‘Hiddleswift’ having fun but I’m pretty sure it won’t affect casting decisions.”

There’s even been historical precedent which would appear to prove that an actor’s romantic private life has been of little consequence.

“Prior to becoming Bond in 1972, Roger Moore went through a pretty acrimonious divorce with his then-wife, music hall legend Dorothy Squires,” adds Choudary.

“Whilst not quite the same media environment, it did not seem to put off the Bond producers.

“Similarly, Daniel Craig’s press conference announcing him as Bond in October 2005 was dogged with questions about his previous dalliances with Sienna Miller and others,” he adds.

“Again, these things don’t seem to matter in Eon Towers.”

Mark O'Connell, author of Bond fan memoir 'Catching Bullets’, appears to be in agreement.

“This is another example of a non-story barely masquerading as a chance to post photos of a hot young couple in their own private time,” he said.

“Unless Calvin Harris is casting the next Bond movie, Hiddleston’s Swift manoeuvre would have zero bearing on his chances of becoming the next Bond.

“I would, however, be more concerned about Mr Hiddleston’s inability to spot a covert photographer on an empty beach if and when he approaches the role of famed secret agent 007. And movie audiences tend to like their hot blooded screen heroes played by hot blooded men.”

For his part, Hiddleston has said that despite being at one point the bookie’s favourite to take over from Daniel Craig in the role of 007, he’s never even been approached.

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, everybody. I don’t think that announcement is coming but I’m very gratified to hear the enthusiasm,” he said during a panel discussion at Wizard World Philadelphia last month.

“There’s not much that I can say that I haven’t already said… Your guess is as good as mine to be honest.”

That hasn’t stopped the speculation from mounting, however.

Now 'Happy Valley’ star James Norton has leapt into the betting pole position, according the William Hill.

“48 hours ago James Norton was not even in the betting for who will become the next Bond, he has been backed from 66/1 and is now the current 1/3 favourite. We would be astonished if he is not on the shortlist,” said spokesman Rupert Adams.

'Poldark’s Aidan Turner is now 7/4, with Tim Hiddleston now down to 11/2.

Image credits: Yahoo File/Getty