On this episode of The James Bond A-Z Podcast hosts Tom Butler, Brendan Duffy, and Tom Wheatley explore the life and work of Timothy Dalton, the fourth actor to play James Bond in the movies.

Covered in the first part of this two-part special:

Timothy's early life, school days, and entry in the world of acting.

Timothy's acting education at RADA and the National Youth Theatre, and his first forays on the stage and screen.

His breakthrough roles in the acclaimed historical drama 'The Lion In Winter', 'Wuthering Heights' and 'Mary Queen of Scots'.

His early brush with James Bond auditioning for 1969's 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service', but deciding against the role.

Timothy's acclaimed stage career, particularly in the world of Shakespeare.

His appearance as Prince Barin in the 1980's cult sci-fi romp 'Flash Gordon', and another brush with Bond around the time of 'Octopussy'.

We look at Dalton's route to 'The Living Daylights' which came when Pierce Brosnan was ruled out of the film due to his TV commitments.

His unique approach to playing James Bond, taking the role back to its literary roots.

The next episode will cover Timothy's Bond career from 'Licence To Kill' right up to the present day.

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James Bond will return... in next week's James Bond's A-Z Podcast.

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