James Bond: Sam Heughan fuels rumours he could replace Daniel Craig – as odds are SLASHED

Outlander favourite Sam Heughan has raced up bookies’ lists over recent days, especially after he confirmed in an interview that he’d jump at the chance to replace Daniel Craig as 007.

Heughan’s role in new comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me has intensified whispers that he could take over from Craig after 2019’s as-yet-untitled James Bond 25.

“I’ve always wanted to play James Bond. It’s a part of every British actor’s legacy,” Heughan told the Sunday Post.

“I loved Timothy Dalton because he was slightly edgy and dark.

“Sean Connery was brilliant. I loved Roger Moore because I liked his eyebrow raising and the slight campness of it.

“But if I had to choose one, probably Timothy Dalton. His The Living Daylights was more edgy.”

At time of writing, Heughan has been cut right down to 4/1 by Betfair – putting him a hairline between joint favourites James Norton and Tom Hardy, both on 3/1.

He has already leapfrogged the likes of Jack Huston (7/1), Aidan Turner (8/1), Idris Elba (8/1) and Tom Hiddleston (11/1), who have long been touted as potential candidates.

Heughan also agreed that a female could be a good casting choice for producers once Craig steps down.

“I think it’s possible, but who knows what Eon Productions and Barbara [Broccoli] want to do with it,” he said.

“I’d love to see it. I’d like the part myself but if they are going to cast someone, let’s get a female Bond.”

Very little is known about the next James Bond movie, except that Danny Boyle is the director hired to make it.

Craig confirmed last summer that he would film one final caper, after rumours mounted that he was on the verge of quitting.

James Bond 25 is out in late 2019.