James Bond: Richard Madden responds to rumours he’ll replace Daniel Craig as odds are cut

Since Bodyguard aired on BBC One to giant ratings earlier this year, Madden has been top of the betting for the high-profile job, which presumably will be vacated by Daniel Craig once the next movie is complete. Now, as bookies cut Madden’s odds once again, he’s had his say on the whole fuss. So can we looking forward to him signing up to be 007?

Speaking to GQ, he acknowledged that actors who star in projects like Bodyguard seem to automatically race to the top of bookies’ lists.

“This is what happens with all these shows, like Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager,” he said.

“Then there’s the next one. I’m the next one.”

But he added: “I’m more than flattered to be mentioned, for people to consider putting me in that role.

“I’m very flattered and thankful. It’s a really brilliant thing to be in.

It’s clear – and unsurprising – that there are no plans in motion for Craig’s successor as James Bond.

But it sounds like if bosses did knock on Madden’s door, he’d be all ears.

“I don’t want to curse anything by saying anything,” he said coyly.

“I think that’s the curse of that. If you talk about it, you’ll curse it.

“I love the movies. I’ve read all the books.”

Madden is the evens favourite with Ladbrokes, with Tom Hiddleston a hairline behind on 7/4.

Tom Hardy (6/1), Idris Elba (6/1) and James Norton (12/1) are also in the frame.

Craig’s final hurrah as James Bond goes into production next year, ahead of its release on Valentine’s Day 2020.