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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jeremy Armstrong

Tom Hiddleston responds to James Bond rumours as Idris Elba turns down role

Actor Tom Hiddleston laughed off suggestions that he will be the new James Bond as he enjoyed the action in SW19.

The British star, 42, who is engaged to the actor Zawe Ashton, is set to return to his role in the TV hit the ‘Night Manager’ seven years after it first aired.

He told the Mirror that he had enjoyed a 'wonderful' opening day at the Championship watching the action on No 12 court, with fans recognising him instantly in his smart pin striped blue suit and shades.

"I love playing tennis," said Hiddleston, of Belsize Park in London after seeing Polish World No 1 Iga Swiatek win her opener.

"But it would be elevating myself beyond my abilities to think I could play here - I just love watching. I play around my local clubs and really enjoy it."

He roared with laughter when asked if he could be shaken and not stirred in his next big role. "Have a good championship,” he beamed.

It comes after Idris Elba distanced himself from the 007 position this week after saying he'd been on the receiving end of racist backlash.

Joining the celebs at Wimbledon, Elton John posted a selfie alongside Roger Federer as the Wimbledon all-time great prepared for his appearance on centre court today.

Federer,41, the eight time men’s singles Champion, received a standing ovation on centre court and took a bow before he took his seat next to the Princess of Wales.

Kate looked elegant in a green jacket and pleated white skirt while Federer wore a stylish beige suit and blue tie.

A packed crowd watched a video tribute to one of the all time greats going back to his early days at the Championships in 2003.

He said: “When I stop, the tournament still lives on. It is bigger than any player.

“I really look forward to when I can come back and have tea time on the terrace.”

Fans who missed out on watching live tennis after increased security left the Wimbledon queue in chaos had to brave the rain for another chance to spectate. Showers stopped play on the outside courts shortly after midday.

The Met Office has forecast occasional heavy rain across the south. Cameron Norrie was due to face Tomas Machac from the Czech Republic on Court One.

British colleagues Katie Boulter, Heather Watson, George Loffhagen and Sonay Kartal were all due to be in action.

On the first day of the tournament, some spectators who had visited Wimbledon in previous years said the queue was the "worst" they had seen.

Organisers said extra checks - due to concerns about Just Stop Oil protests - were to blame for the slow queue.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman will hold talks with senior sporting figures and police leaders on protecting Wimbledon and other events from from disruptive protests.

Event organisers and national sporting bodies will meet Ms Braverman and Sports Secretary Lucy Frazer to discuss the Just Stop Oil and Animal Rising groups.

Brits Jodie Burrage, Liam Broady and Jan Choinski all made it to the second round after winning their matches on Monday. The championships will run until July 16.

Tom Hiddleston responds to James Bond rumours

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