James Norton could be the next actor in line to play James Bond, if the bookies have got it right.
Paddy Power suddenly slashed their odds yesterday on the 'Grantchester' star replacing Daniel Craig in the role of 007.
James went from being a 25/1 outsider for the part to the odds-on favourite at 1/3, following a series of bets from a new customer in the Oxford area - what does that person know?
The bookies are taking no chances, which means James, also the star of 'War and Peace', is now seen as a more likely replacement than 'Poldark' actor Aidan Turner (7/4), and Taylor Swift's boyfriend Tom Hiddleston (9/2).
Other names in the frame include Idris Elba (10/1), Michael Fassbender (25/1), and Gillian Anderson (50/1), who who would make the first female version of the super spy.
A new name on the list is Nigel Farage, now open to offers since quitting UKIP earlier this week. He's seen as a relative outsider at 500/1.
A spokesman for Paddy Power explained their thinking: “We’ve barely had any bets on Norton to be the next Bond, so we thought the first this morning was like a hopeful roulette spin in Casino Royale.
“However, after a sudden sequence of follow-up punts, we’re starting to suspect that we’re dealing with a Dr. In The Know – so the odds have Skyfall-en.” (Get it?)
Fans continue to speculate over who will collect James Bond's licence to kill, following Daniel Craig's clear, though unofficial indication, that he's finished with the role after four films.
We've got our own thoughts... tap the first picture below to open the slideshow:
