Is Mcmafia’s James Norton the world’s sexiest rambler?

He set pulses racing in Grantchester and War And Peace. Now, as James Norton, 32, returns to our screens for Mcmafia, we reveal ten surprising facts about the National Trust-loving star

1 He’s a country boy at heart. James grew up in the pretty market town of Malton in North Yorkshire. He’s a member of both the National Trust and the Ramblers, saying, “I like the idea of being able to get out of London and climb a hill.”

2 His first role was as Gwen Stefani in a school miming competition in 1998, aged 11. He recalled, “I was utterly terrified at first, and just stood there demurely tapping my foot, but then everyone began cheering. All of a sudden, I started enjoying it, strutting up and down the stage and lapping up the applause.”

3 He’s the definition of brains and brawn. James got a first-class honours degree in Theology from Cambridge University, before spending three years at the Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art. He left RADA six months before graduating to take his first film role, a non-speaking part in 2009’s An Education.

4 Sadly, he’s taken (sob). Last month, it was revealed that James was dating 28-year-old British actress Imogen Poots, whom he’s currently starring alongside in West End production Belleville.

5 He listens to Whitney Houston to get him in the mood for love. Actress Lily James, who played James’ love interest, Natasha Rostova, in War And Peace, once revealed that she played I Wanna Dance With Somebody to James ahead of the show’s steamy love scenes to lighten the mood! 6 A lover of brogues and jumpers, the actor describes his style as “quite classic”. Before fame beckoned, he sold men’s vintage clothing on a market stall. 7 He’s the bookies’ favourite to take over the role of James Bond . However, James has dismissed the rumours, saying he’d like Daniel Craig to continue playing Bond. He added, “I’m a big fan of his and – selfishly – I’d like him to carry on.” 8 When he was 22, James was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. He’s said he sometimes has to stitch pockets into his costumes for sugar tablets. 9 James likes to wander around his neighbourhood in south London in character. He explains, “I do mundane things like go shopping or cycle around town and find myself looking at people just thinking, ‘F*** you.’ Or giving a hateful look to the person innocently selling me a Granny Smith.” 10 He’s a family man. James has even been known to get his dad Hugo in as an extra on shoots.