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He’s being touted as the next 007, but who is Aaron Taylor-Johnson – and does he have the action and acting skills to be the next James Bond?

Taylor-Johnson at a premiere in 2022. Pic: AP
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Pic: AP

First off, who is he?

The 33-year-old British star was born Aaron Perry Johnson in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, in 1990.

Excelling at drama, dance and singing, he was a successful child actor – with his first professional stage appearance aged just six in a London production of Macbeth.

As a teenager he appeared in movies including Shanghai Knights in which he played a young Charlie Chaplin, and The Illusionist, where he was the child version of Edward Norton’s lead character Eduard Abramovich.

He also took the role of the young love interest in comedy drama Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging.

But his breakthrough role was just around the corner…

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What’s he been in?

Taylor-Johnson’s first big lead role came in 2009 when he was chosen to play Beatles legend John Lennon in Nowhere Boy.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Nowhere Boy.
Pic: Alamy
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Taylor-Johnson in Nowhere Boy. Pic: Alamy

The performance would be an important milestone in his life – seeing him not only receive critical acclaim and win the Empire best newcomer award, but also meet the woman who would become his wife.

While playing Lennon may have required a certain cerebral sensitivity, there’s no doubt over Taylor-Johnson’s physical credentials for a 007 role, having gone on to play a range of parts requiring him to quite literally, kick ass.

He played the superhero title character in the 2010 hit, Kick-Ass, and its 2013 sequel Kick-Ass 2, and staying in the Marvel cinematic universe he went on to play Pietro Maximoff in Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson had his first breakthrough in 'Kick-Ass' , a superhero satire that earned cult fame. Pic: AP
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Taylor-Johnson at Comic Con in 2013. Pic: AP

Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Chloe Grace Moretz in Kick Ass
Pic: Alamy
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Taylor-Johnson and Chloe Grace Moretz in Kick-Ass. Pic: Alamy

Plus, he had a part in 2014 monster reboot Godzilla – it’s always good to boost your on-screen bravery score.

And proving there’s more to him than just running around and fighting, he’s appeared in crime thriller Savages, period drama Anna Karenina, and psychological thriller Nocturnal Animals for which he won a Golden Globe.

Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Bullet Train.
Pic: Alamy
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Brian Tyree Henry and Taylor-Johnson in Bullet Train. Pic: Alamy

Then on to Christopher Nolan’s time-bending movie Tenet in 2020, and action-comedy Bullet Train in 2022.

As for his current acting status, Taylor-Johnson has just finished Marvel superhero film Kraven The Hunter after playing the title character and Spider-Man villain.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Ford Brody in Godzilla.
Pic: Alamy
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Taylor-Johnson as Ford Brody in Godzilla. Pic: Alamy

He is also set to appear in The Fall Guy, starring man of the moment, Ryan Gosling, and writer Robert Eggers’s historical vampire horror Nosferatu.

What do we know about his personal life?

Taylor-Johnson met his wife, director Sam Taylor-Johnson, on the set of Nowhere Boy.

Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson attend a special screening of  'A Million Little Pieces;.
Pic:AP
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Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in 2019. Pic: AP

He was the 18-year-old star of the film, and she was more than 20 years his senior when they met. They tied the knot three years later.

The couple have two daughters – Wylda Rae, 13, and Romy Hero, 11, plus Taylor-Johnson is stepfather to Angelica, 26 and Jessie, 17, who are from Sam Taylor-Johnson’s marriage to her first husband, art dealer Jay Jopling.

Shaken and not stirred?

Taylor-Johnson previously told Nylon Guys magazine he used to “smoke 30 [cigarettes] a day” and “drink nonstop”, but put an end to his partying ways after meeting his wife.

While it’s not known if he’s a fan of martinis (of either the gin or vodka variety), it seems likely his earlier drinking practice will have put him in a strong position to convincingly knock back 007’s favourite tipple.

Taylor-Johnson at the Governors Awards in 2016. Pic: AP
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Taylor-Johnson at the Governors Awards in 2016. Pic: AP

Can he pull off a tux?

Quite frankly – yes.

Taylor-Johnson was named one of GQ’s 50 best-dressed British men in 2015.

So, he’s definitely got the fashionistas’ approval.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson with Cate Blanchett at the Giorgio Armani women's Fall-Winter 2024-25 collection show. Pic: AP
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Taylor-Johnson with Cate Blanchett at the Giorgio Armani women’s Fall-Winter 2024-25 collection show. Pic: AP

And what’s he said about Bond?

Last week, he was asked about Bond by Numero Magazine and said: “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.”

Taylor-Johnson is yet to confirm or deny reports he’ll be playing the seventh James Bond.

Sky News has contacted his representatives, as well as Eon Productions, who produce the Bond movies, for comment.

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Cara Delevingne reveals how Topshop inspired her fashion sense – as brand relaunches in London

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Cara Delevingne reveals how Topshop inspired her fashion sense - as brand relaunches in London

Fashion brand Topshop celebrated its relaunch with its first catwalk in seven years.

The company’s website promised everyone was invited as models strutted down a runway on Trafalgar Square in front of noughties fashion icons Cara Delevingne and Adwoa Aboah and the London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.

The label has been operating on the online fashion platform ASOS after ceasing to operate as a standalone business in 2020.

Topshop held a catwalk in Trafalgar Square. Pic: PA
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Topshop held a catwalk in Trafalgar Square. Pic: PA

A model on the catwalk
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A model on the catwalk

Its previous owner, Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia group, collapsed into administration and all of Topshop’s physical stores – including the Oxford Circus flagship in London’s West End – closed soon after.

Delevingne told Sky News she was “totally blown away” by the relaunch event.

“It was like nostalgia mixed with something eclectic but also something brand new,” she said.

“For me, it really brings back a time of exploration of my own fashion sense because I think for me at Topshop I got to discover so much.”

The model, who is working on a capsule collection for next year, has already unveiled a choice edit in this year’s show and said her relationship with Topshop precedes her fame.

She said: “I would go in and my friends would be like ‘you would look good in that’ and I would go ‘no, that’s not really me’, and then you’d try it on and be like ‘oh maybe I can explore more’.

“They really have everything for everyone, and I feel like they brought that back.”

The runway showcased highlights from its Autumn-Winter 2025 collection, as well as an early preview of pieces set to drop later this season, including showstopper gowns, the classic white tee, and an aloe vera-coloured faux fur coat that surely should not have been on display – to prevent just about everyone rushing to buy it.

Topshop's relaunch was staged at Trafalgar Square
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Topshop’s relaunch was staged at Trafalgar Square

Models in front of the National Gallery in London's Trafalgar Square. Pic: PA
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Models in front of the National Gallery in London’s Trafalgar Square. Pic: PA

Reclaiming the high street

But sharp tailoring and statement outerwear suggest the brand is ready to reclaim the high street.

Must-have denim pieces completed the womenswear line-up while the Topman collection screamed modern utility by blending refined formal wear with sharp new silhouettes.

Casual pieces are grounded by authentic denim in deep indigos, which stood out on Trafalgar Square’s magnificent stone steps.

Topshop’s relaunch comes as the high street continues to struggle and as the UK operation of Chinese fashion giant Shein announced pre-tax profits of £38.3m for the year, up some £14m from 2023.

‘Top end of the market’

Moses Rashid, global marketing director at Topshop/Topman said they are competing in a different space.

Topshop has been operating on the online fashion platform ASOS after ceasing to operate as a standalone business in 2020
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Topshop has been operating on the online fashion platform ASOS after ceasing to operate as a standalone business in 2020

“We’re at the top end of the market. We’re about elevation. We pride ourselves on the quality of the product,” he said.

Those products are being designed in north London, and managing director Michelle Wilson said the aim is to stay that way.

“We are a British brand, we want to be a positive force for fashion. We want to bring London to the world. It’s fundamental to who we are as a brand, our style is very much London-driven.”

The majority Danish-owned company has suggested it will slow fashion down by opening physical stores where customers can touch the products, browse collections and try things on, though the flagship on Oxford Circus is unlikely to return because a Swedish fast furniture brand has since occupied the space.

Designer Wayne Hemingway has previously collaborated with Topshop and said the relaunch must be more than nostalgia.

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“They can’t rely on their old customers because their old customers have now got kids of their own to spend their money on, and they’ve got mortgages and all of those things of what being an adult means.

“They’ve got to have designers, marketeers, people who understand – who are on the pulse – who understood, number one, what was a success back then, and also a young generation of people who are there saying, ‘this is what our generation needs’, and who are bright and can help deliver that. They can’t rely on the past.”

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Comedian Milton Jones reveals he’s cancer free

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Comedian Milton Jones reveals he's cancer free

Comedian Milton Jones has revealed he is cancer free after being treated for prostate cancer.

In April, the 61-year-old, who is known for his appearances on Mock The Week, announced he was cancelling a number of UK tour dates to undergo surgery.

Jones said in a statement: “A few months ago, I had to stop my tour HA!MILTON because I needed treatment for prostate cancer. I’m glad to say I’ve had that treatment and am now cancer-free!

“So, many thanks to all the doctors and nurses who helped me get better – I couldn’t do their job (I tried, but apparently you have to be qualified).”

Thanking his family, friends and fans, he went on to joke: “I have to admit there were a few dark moments when I wondered if anyone would ever see me again, but then I realised that I was leaning against the light switch.

“Thankfully, I’m now in a completely different place, and if you look at my website, you’ll see that very soon I’ll be in lots of other different places on tour too”.

Jones picks up his tour on 15 September in Stafford, touring until the end of November 2025.

The show, whose name is a play on the title of the hit musical Hamilton, promises laughter and unforgettable comedy moments, as well as jokes about giraffes and tomatoes.

The Richmond-born comedian has been hailed as the king of the one-liner, basing his jokes on clever wordplay and surreal humour.

He has performed on Live At The Apollo, Lee Mack’s All Star Cast, and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow.

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Taylor Swift reveals release date for new album

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Taylor Swift reveals release date for new album

Taylor Swift has revealed the release date for her new album, The Life Of A Showgirl.

The pop megastar announced her 12th studio album earlier this week but didn’t give many details.

Now, in social media posts and an appearance on boyfriend Travis Kelce’s sports podcast, Swift revealed just what fans can expect from the new album.

Taylor Swift and boyfriend Travis Kelce on the New Heights podcast. Pic: New Heights
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Taylor Swift and boyfriend Travis Kelce on the New Heights podcast. Pic: New Heights

The Life of Showgirl, written during the European leg of her record-breaking Eras tour, will be released on 3 October.

It consists of 12 songs, including the title track that features pop star Sabrina Carpenter.

The full track list is:

1. The Fate Of Ophelia
2. Elizabeth Taylor
3. Opalite
4. Father Figure
5. Eldest Daughter
6. Ruin The Friendship
7. Actually Romantic
8. Wi$h Li$t
9. Wood
10. Cancelled!
11. Honey
12. The Life Of A Showgirl (featuring Sabrina Carpenter)

Long-time collaborators Max Martin and Shellback, two Swedish producers who worked with Swift on some of her biggest hits, joined the pop star for this album.

Within four hours of posting the full podcast episode on YouTube, it had already gathered 4.7m views.

The cover of Taylor Swift's newly announced album. Pic: Republic Records
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The cover of Taylor Swift’s newly announced album. Pic: Republic Records

The back cover of Taylor Swift's 12th studio album The Life Of A Showgirl. Pic: 	Republic Records
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The back cover of Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album The Life Of A Showgirl. Pic: Republic Records

‘The hardest-working star in pop’

The album follows last year’s The Tortured Poets Department, which was released during the Eras tour.

That tour, with shows on five continents and in 51 cities, raked in more than $2.2bn (£1.62bn) and was the highest-grossing tour of all time.

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“This album is about what was going on behind the scenes in my inner life during this tour, which was so exuberant and electric and vibrant,” Swift said during her podcast appearance.

Sky News culture and entertainment reporter Gemma Peplow said after her globe-trotting tour and a swathe of re-releases over recent years, the new album cemented Swift’s reputation “as the hardest-working star in pop”.

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