James Bond: NEW contender to replace Daniel Craig? More bets than Bodyguard Richard Madden

Much of the focus in recent weeks has been on Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and Bodyguard star Richard Madden – but it seems Orlando Bloom has begun picking up a lot of support too.

Oddschecker have exclusively told Express.co.uk that 54% of all bets placed via their site over the last 24 hours have been on the former Lord of the Rings star; with one bookmaker slashing his odds of getting the job down to 40/1 from 80/1.

Spokesperson George Elek said: “Famed for his roles in Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean, the muscleman is no stranger to major franchise films.

“And, if punters are correct – he could be set to don the infamous Bond tuxedo.

“Known as Legolas to millions across the world, over half of all bets in the popular market have seen bookies sit up and take notice, as money continues to pile in on the Englishman taking up one of the biggest roles in world cinema.”

Bloom has spoken out on the role before, telling BBC News: “I grew up loving those (Bond) films. Who didn’t?

“I’m sure they’ll probably do more with Daniel, and who knows where they’ll go with that?

“I don’t know, but I do love that [James Bond] world. Who doesn’t?”

Craig still has at least one more 007 movie to film, which could be delayed now that Danny Boyle has stepped down as the director.

Tom Hardy remains the bookies’ overall favourite to replace him, even if we could still be at least two years away from finding out who that next actor will be.

Hardy has 6/4 odds with William Hill, with Idris Elba on 7/2, Tom Hiddleston on 4/1 and Idris Elba on 6/1.

James Norton follows on 7/1, with Sam Heughan currently priced at 8/1 and Aidan Turner on 9/1.

Jack Huston is at 10/1, as is Ewan McGregor, and Richard Madden is on 12/1.

As for who will take over as the director of Craig’s latest, David Mackenzie and Christopher Nolan remain joint favourites on 7/2 with Betfair.

Denis Villenueve follows on 11/2, with SJ Clarkson on 13/2.

For now, James Bond 25 is expected to be released in late 2019.