James Bond: Bodyguard and Game of Thrones’ Richard Madden ODDS-ON to replace Daniel Craig

Earlier this month Avengers star Tom Hiddleston was odds-on to be the next James Bond, however, Madden topped him with odds of 5-3 with Coral.

But now the Bodyguard star is odds-on at 5-6 to replace Craig as the next 007.

Behind him is Tom Hiddleston at 2-1 and Idris Elba and Tom Hardy now down to 6-1.

According to the bookmakers, a flurry of bets came in for Madden after starring in Bodyguard, which is now airing in the US.

A few weeks ago The Mail on Sunday reported a source of theirs said Madden will be offered Craig’s role in the next few days.

The outlet reported: “It is understood that Barbara Broccoli, the executive producer at Eon Productions who has the final say on all Bond characters, is likely to approach Madden in the next few days.

Their source said: “It’s seriously looking like he [Madden] is going to get the job. Not only is he on top of Barbara’s list, but she is preparing to offer the role.”

But of course, this never came to pass, as it is incredibly unlikely to do so for at least the next four years.

After all, Bond 25, Craig’s final outing, doesn’t even start shooting until March 2019.

Following a production delay, thanks to Cary Fukunaga replacing Danny Boyle as director, Bond 25 won’t release in cinemas until February 2020.

With this in mind, it’s highly unlikely that Bond producers will begin auditioning for Craig’s replacement until at least 2022 at the very earliest.

Fans should remember the incumbent Bond wasn’t announced until three years after Pierce Brosnan’s Die Another Day had hit cinemas.

Of course, it’s entirely possible that Broccoli has actors in the back of her mind, but the focus, for now, will be on Craig and Bond 25.

Bond 25 will be released in UK cinemas on February 14, 2020.