John Thompson is one of the country's most accomplished actors, thanks to starring roles in hit shows like Cold Feet and Coronation Street, but the 53-year-old says he still has plenty left to achieve.
The actor and comedian has been entertaining the nation since beginning in his career in the early 90s - quickly becoming a regular face on the small screen following Steve Coogan securing him a job on Spitting Image - but the Lancashire-born star is now keen to land a huge movie gig.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror at the Pride of Manchester Awards on Tuesday night, the former soap star admitted he has several dream role in his targets.
"Yes, Bond - I want to be in a Bond film," John quickly replied when we asked the star if he still has any career ambitions left.
"Not James Bond, I'm not right for it - I'm too short, too fat, too northern. There are plenty of other parts."
He continued: "It's been my dream - every since I was a little boy I've always loved James Bond - so I would love to [star in one of the films]."
And who would The Masked Singer star like to act alongside if he ever was to land a role in the iconic spy series?
"Who would I like to see as Bond? I think Michael Fassbender - he'd be brilliant. I think he'd be a brilliant Bond," John declared when chatting in the winners room at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on Tuesday night.
John's wishes could possibly come true, as the X-Men actor is currently in the running to replace Daniel Craig as 007 in the franchise's next installment - with the actor's odds currently 10/1.
However, former Bridgerton actor Regé-Jean Page is still way out ahead as a major odds-on favourite to nab the prestigious role - with Alex Apati of Ladbrokes saying last month: "There's every chance Bond chiefs have found their man in the shape of Rege-Jean Page; the long-time frontrunner has pulled even further ahead in the betting this weekend."
John will have to wait and see which actor he may share a screen with one day, if ever does get to land his dream role, but James Bond isn't the only ambition of the talented star.
"I've got a bucket list actually," the comedian confessed after presenting Tracey and Phil Payton with the Special Recognition honour at the Pride of Manchester Awards.
"I'd love to be in Doctor Who, I'd love to be in Inside No.9 and I'd love to be in Black Mirror."
He added: "I'm very fortunate that I've had a very varied career - that's what I love. Cold Feet is probably the most well known thing I've done but I've done...it's nice to diversify and do loads of different things. I've got a few strings to my bow."
We'll hopefully see John in at least one - but hopefully all - of his dream roles very soon.
*The MEN Pride of Manchester Awards, in partnership with TSB, will premiere on YouTube at 7pm on Tuesday 17 th May – youtube.com/prideofbritainawards
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