James Bond: Fifty Shades star Jamie Dornan odds SLASHED after flurry of bets – Here's why

Craig’s fifth and final James Bond movie doesn’t release until February 14, 2020, but speculation is still rife over his replacement.

In the latest turn of events, Coral has seen a flurry of bets for Dornan, causing the Fifty Shades star’s odds to be slashed from 66-1 to 16-1.

He’s now equal to Henry Cavill, who came second to Craig for 2006’s Casino Royale.

As for the reason behind the sudden confidence in Dornan, it looks like it’s his new BBC drama Death and Nightingales which starts tomorrow evening.

A spokesman for the bookmakers said: “Jamie Dornan has been linked with the role as the next Bond before and his return to our screens is catapulting him towards the top of our betting once more. 

“The world of 007 is a little different to that of the countryside of Ireland where Death and Nightingales is set but we can certainly picture him stepping into Craig’s shoes and have slashed the odds.”

The 36-year-old has also recently spoken out on the thought of taking on Bond.

Speaking with Belfast Telegraph, the Northern Irish actor said: “It’s just something I’ve given zero thought to.”

Dornan continued: “I’ll sometimes have my mates text me saying they’ve put a bet on me and telling me what my odds are and I think it’s kind of hilarious.”

Nevertheless, the actor wants to try something different; exploring the genres.

He added: “My favourite thing about being an actor is the diversity of it. From a very early age, I knew that I don’t want to sit behind a desk of any description.

“I feel like if you do the same role, again and again, that would be the closest thing to doing a desk job.”

Dornan certainly has some competition though, with any female replacing Craig being ahead of him at 12-1.

Meanwhile, James Norton is at 12-1, Idris Elba 6-1, Tom Hardy 5-1 and Richard Madden 2-1.

Avengers star Tom Hiddleston leads at 5-4.

Bond 25 will be released on February 14, 2020.