James Bond: Tom Hardy bumped down list for new 007 AGAIN in unexpected turn

James Bond fans are eager to find out who will be donning the sharp suit next as the new 007 after Daniel Craig departs. While No Time To Die will mark Craig’s last outing as the iconic spy but his replacement has yet to be announced. Tom Hardy, who is currently starring in the BBC’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol, was previously top of the list, but his chances seem to be dwindling with bookmakers.

This week, bookies Coral revealed he has been overtaken by another competitor for the role.

Hardy is currently priced at just 10-1, but lesser known actor Jack Lowden’s odds have been trimmed to 8-1, putting him ahead of the Peaky Blinders star in the running for the new Bond.

This means Lowden has pinched fifth place on the list, ousting Hardy, behind James Norton, Tom Hiddleston, Richard Madden and Sam Heughan.

According to Coral, McMafia and Happy Valley actor Norton is currently on 5-1 to take over as 007, while Avengers favourite Hiddleston is priced at 4-1.

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Hardy has been gradually slipping down the list in recent months, having been priced at 8-1 back in November.

His name’s been in the ring for the new Bond since last year and he even joked about the possibility of taking up the mantle from Craig back in April 2018.

Sharing an article about his chances of getting the part on Instagram, he quipped: “Dammit I was in my tux and on the runway.”

The year before, he insisted he didn’t want to address speculation for fear of jinxing it.

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There’s a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting that if you talk about it you’re automatically out of the race,” he told The Daily Beast. “So I can’t possibly comment on that one!”

Meanwhile, Craig is preparing to exit the Bond franchise after 14 years in the lead.

He recently confirmed once and for all that No Time To Die will be his last movie as 007 and dismissed rumours he might be set to return in the role of director, insisting he just wants a rest.

The No Time To Die trailer dropped earlier this month, giving fans their first proper look at what’s in store for Bond this time around.