Aaron Taylor-Johnson should choose Death in Paradise over James Bond, says Richard Osman

Aaron Taylor-Johnson might be the frontrunner to play the next James Bond, but bestselling author Richard Osman believes he should opt for the Death in Paradise job instead.

Discussing the 007 casting situation on The Rest is Entertainment podcast with Marina Hyde, Osman, whose Thursday Murder Club book series has proven wildly popular with readers since launching in 2020, claimed: "There's actually a much, much bigger role up for grabs. Ralf Little has just left Death in Paradise, which for the last 13 years has been the biggest show on British TV.

"So they're looking for a new detective to go out to Guadalupe and that will be seen by more people than will ever see James Bond."

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Last month, Little exited Death in Paradise after four years of playing DI Neville Parker. Fans of the sun-kissed murder-mystery series rejoiced over his character's happy ending, but now there's a main part to fill once again, as is the show's rotational nature.

Osman continued: "I still think this is a bigger gig for a young actor. If I were Aaron Taylor-Johnson and I was offered both, I'd say let's head out to Guadalupe for a couple of years."

The podcast's co-host Hyde wasn't necessarily in agreement though, what with Bond's prestigious appeal.

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"It's worth talking about, because [Death in Paradise is] one of those shows that would be easy to dismiss if you've never seen it," argued Osman.

"It was made with love by very talented people, it was come up with by a very smart man, it's run by very smart people, and I'm also just fascinated by who's going to be the next detective. It's a great show, it's a proper success story.

"I think it's one of those shows that sometimes doesn't always get the credit it deserves. But it's a monster."

All 13 seasons of Death in Paradise are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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