James Bond: THIS actor’s odds of replacing Daniel Craig have just been SLASHED

Speculation over his replacement is continuing to come thick and fast, despite producers’ decisions presumably being a long way off yet. Richard Madden and Tom Hiddleston have been tussling for the position of outright frontrunner for quite some time, but now another star is having his odds slashed, and could become a serious contender. So who will replace Craig for James Bond 26 and beyond?

Bookies have revealed that Cillian Murphy is fast becoming a serious contender, as far as punters are concerned.

Coral yesterday cut the actor’s odds down to 5/1 – amid hype for his return in Peaky Blinders.

This makes him third favourite overall, behind Madden (2/1) and Hiddleston (3/1); tied with Idris Elba.

“Everybody is excited for Peaky Blinders to return to our screens and the latest surge of bets in our next James Bond market has been for the main man Cillian Murphy,” a spokesperson for the firm said.

“It’s clear that fans want to see him step into 007’s shoes after Craig and we’ve slashed the odds on it happening.”

Further down the market, James Norton is on 6/1, Tom Hardy is at 8/1 and any female can be backed at 12/1.

Chris Hemsworth and Damien Lewis are a little further behind on 20/1.

Meanwhile, Bond 25 has continued to suffer setbacks, now amid Craig’s unfortunate injury – which will require him to have minor surgery.

Bosses confirmed reports to that effect this week; saying on Twitter: “Daniel Craig will be undergoing minor ankle surgery resulting from an injury sustained during filming in Jamaica.

“Production will continue whilst Craig is rehabilitating for two weeks post-surgery.

“The film remains on track for the same release date in April 2020.”

It was also alleged this week that an “intimacy co-ordinator” has been hired to help make stars feel comfortable and supported in moments such as any sex scenes.

Bond 25 is out on April 8, 2020.