Simone Ashley has hinted she would be open to playing a Bond Girl if she ever received a call from the franchise's powerful producers. The 31-year-old actress, best known for her role as Kate Sharma in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, made the admission while posing for a stunning new photoshoot with ELLE UK.

Ashley, who earlier this year appeared in the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, told the magazine that she was focused on finding exciting new projects, but she would not turn down an offer to join one of cinema's most legendary spy franchises. Asked directly whether she would say yes to a Bond Girl role, she responded: 'I would, yeah. If it happens, it happens! I'm not going to talk about it.'

The actress expanded on her career ambitions, saying: 'I definitely want to do more movies and find a really delicious TV show to get into. I'd love to do an action movie. Something fantasy, maybe.' Her comments come at a time when the Bond franchise is undergoing a major transition, with Amazon MGM beginning work on a new film after acquiring the rights last year. The search for the next actor to play 007 has been the subject of intense speculation, and Ashley's willingness to join the universe adds another layer of intrigue to the casting discussions.

From Bridgerton to the Big Screen

Simone Ashley first captured audiences' attention with her breakout role in Netflix's Sex Education, but it was her portrayal of the fiercely intelligent and passionate Kate Sharma in Bridgerton that made her an international star. She joined the series in its second season and quickly became a fan favourite, her chemistry with co-star Jonathan Bailey earning widespread praise. Reflecting on the impact of the show, she said: 'It changed my life and, without it, I wouldn't be where I am. That show reached near and far. Even in the places you don't think you'll get recognised, you do.'

Ashley remains deeply committed to the series, which has expanded into multiple seasons following the romantic journeys of the Bridgerton siblings. She noted: 'Whenever it finishes, it's going to be the end of an era. I think they have about four or five more siblings to get through. I'm in it till the end!' Her dedication to the show is clear, and she continues to be linked with the period drama as it evolves.

This year, Ashley added another high-profile project to her resume with a role in The Devil Wears Prada 2, the long-awaited follow-up to the 2006 classic. Though details of her character remain under wraps, the film has generated significant buzz and is expected to be a major release. Ashley's ability to move between period drama and contemporary comedy has made her one of the most versatile young actresses working in the industry today.

An ELLE UK Moment

The new photoshoot with ELLE UK is part of a busy promotional period for Ashley, who is set to be honoured with the Performer Of The Year award at this year's ELLE Style Awards. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 9, and will celebrate the actress's contributions to film and television over the past year. For Ashley, the accolade is a recognition of her growing influence and the wide appeal of her performances.

In her interview, the actress also spoke candidly about her personal life, revealing that she hopes to find love and start a family in the future. Her comments come after she was recently spotted with her new boyfriend, Jay Jammal, in photographs that circulated online. She shared: 'I definitely want to have my own family and I'd love to find my person. I have all my dreams and ambitions for my career and that will live on, and I trust that when the time is right the other parts of my personal life will find their way, too.'

Ashley explained her approach to relationships with a sense of calm and optimism, saying: 'I don't put pressure on anything. I believe in the right person at the right time – someone who's kind and has similar ambitions and dreams. That doesn't have to be career-wise – I think you can have very different ambitions and dreams, but just an understanding and support between them.' Her words offer a rare glimpse into the private side of an actress who has largely kept her personal life away from the spotlight.

The Bond Race: A Three-Horse Contest

Ashley's remarks about wanting to become a Bond Girl arrive at a pivotal moment for the franchise. While the producers of James Bond have not yet confirmed a new lead actor, bookmakers have identified a shortlist of contenders. According to William Hill, the race to replace Daniel Craig as 007 is currently a three-horse race between Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Jack Barton.

Callum Turner remains the market leader, though his odds have drifted to 5/4. The British actor, known for roles in Fantastic Beasts and the recent Apple TV+ series Masters of the Air, has long been considered a favourite for the role. His rugged good looks and dramatic range make him a natural fit for Bond, and many fans have already cast him in their imaginations as the next incarnation of the iconic spy.

Jack Lowden, meanwhile, is hot on Turner's heels at odds of 7/4. Lowden is best known for his role as MI5 agent River Cartwright in the Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, a performance that has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following. However, his involvement in Slow Horses has created a complex situation for Bond casting, as rival streaming giants Apple and Amazon are reportedly locked in a behind-the-scenes battle over his availability.

The Apple vs. Amazon Tug of War

According to insider sources, the conflict is a direct result of Lowden's dual allegiance. Apple carefully selected him for Slow Horses, and the show has become one of the platform's most successful original series. If Lowden were to accept the Bond role, which would be produced by Amazon MGM, he would effectively be playing a British spy for two competing streaming services at the same time.

One insider explained: 'It is literally impossible for an actor to play two British spies almost simultaneously. You can't have two franchises and two spies but just one face.' This sentiment underscores the difficulty of Lowden's potential move, as Bond is a full-time commitment that would likely consume his schedule for years. The insider added: 'Jack is very much in the conversation and there are people who think he would make a fantastic Bond. But the elephant in the room is Slow Horses. Amazon wants its Bond but Apple already has its spy.'

The rivalry between Apple and Amazon has reportedly become personal, with sources suggesting that 'huge egos' are at play on both sides. 'They do not like to lose out to one another, so the battle is on,' one source revealed. This tension could ultimately determine whether Lowden is able to take on the iconic role, or whether he remains in the Apple fold for the foreseeable future.

Jack Barton, a relative newcomer to the Bond conversation, has recently entered the betting at 9/2, making him the third favourite behind Turner and Lowden. Barton's sudden rise reflects the fluid nature of casting speculation. When announcing the odds, a spokesperson for William Hill said: 'Jack Barton has certainly shaken up our next Bond market, going straight in at 9/2 and immediately becoming third favourite for the role of the world's most famous secret agent. Callum Turner remains at the head of the betting at 5/4, but with Jack Lowden just behind at 7/4 and Barton now firmly in the mix, there's plenty of competition for the role. At 9/2, Barton is now considered more than twice as likely to become the next Bond than names such as Henry Cavill and former favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who are both out at 10/1.'

The presence of established names like Cavill and Taylor-Johnson in the betting market indicates the depth of talent available. Both actors have long fan campaigns behind them, yet the odds suggest that the eventual choice is likely to come from the current top three.

A Changing Bond Landscape

Ashley's interest in joining the Bond universe as a Bond Girl comes at a time when the franchise itself is evolving rapidly. The purchase of the rights by Amazon MGM has opened up new possibilities for the series, including the potential for television spin-offs and a more interconnected narrative universe. The next Bond film will be the first under Amazon's supervision, and the producers are clearly keen to find a fresh actor who can lead the franchise into a new era.

For actresses like Simone Ashley, the Bond Girl role has historically been a career-defining opportunity. In the past, stars such as Rosamund Pike and Halle Berry have used their performances as Bond women to elevate their status in Hollywood and take on more diverse projects. Pike, who appeared in Die Another Day alongside Pierce Brosnan, went on to become one of the most respected dramatic actresses of her generation, while Berry used her turn as Jinx in the same film to launch an action-focused career that culminated in her Oscar-winning performance in Monster's Ball.

Ashley is clearly aware of this legacy, and her desire to explore action and fantasy genres suggests she views the Bond franchise as an opportunity to stretch her abilities. Her remarks indicate she is carefully considering the next steps in her career, balancing commercial appeal with artistic ambitions.

Looking Forward

The October issue of ELLE UK, featuring Ashley's cover story, goes on sale from 3 September. The issue will include a full spread of the photoshoot and an extensive interview in which the actress shares more thoughts about her career, her hopes for the future, and the importance of staying grounded amid the pressures of fame.

As the Bond casting drama continues to unfold, Simone Ashley remains focused on her own path. Whether she gets the call to join the franchise or not, her status as one of the most promising actresses of her generation is secure. With projects like Bridgerton and The Devil Wears Prada 2 already under her belt, and a growing list of other opportunities likely to emerge, Ashley's star is only set to rise further in the coming years. Her enthusiasm for playing a Bond Girl is yet another sign of her bold ambitions, and fans will no doubt be watching with anticipation to see what she does next.

Source: MSN News