Odds slashed on Poldark’s Aidan Turner being named next James Bond

Poldark star Aidan Turner has emerged as a shock contender to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.

Tom Hiddlestone remains the 6/4 favourite to be named as the next 007 but Turner, who also starred in The Hobbit trilogy, has seen his odds slashed after a flurry of bets.

The Irishman, 32, is proving to be an incredibly popular bet, with his odds having been slashed into 5/2 – despite entering the market as a 50/1 outsider.

With Craig due to step down from the iconic movie role speculation has been rife as to who will replace the Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre star with Tom Hardy (4/1), Idris Elba (6/1) and Damian Lewis (10/1) also thought to be in with a chance.

Superman star Henry Cavill is also said to be on the shortlist but this latest market move has seen his odds of swapping the red cape for a Walther PPK drift out to 12/1.

Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “007 fever is at full throttle. We’ve had as many favourites as Bond has had vodka martinis, and if the money’s on the nose then it’s only a matter of time before Turner, Aidan Turner is leading the way to step into Daniel Craig’s shoes.”

Ladbrokes latest betting

Next James Bond 
Tom Hiddleston 6/4
Aidan Turner 5/2
Tom Hardy 4/1
Idris Elba 6/1
Damian Lewis 10/1
Henry Cavill 12/1
20/1 bar

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.