Poldark star Aidan Turner is now odds-on favourite to be announced as the next James Bond, with some reports claiming the decision will be announced within the next fortnight.
Fans are predicting the 32-year-old could soon leave behind Cornwall’s tin mines for the slick world of international espionage as they put their money on him to replace Daniel Craig.
Ladbrokes are reporting that Aidan is now front-runner to be cast as 007, with odds at 1-2 after a big week of betting, which has seen him overtake The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston. He trails behind in second, with odds of 2-1, while Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and Damian Lewis make up the rest of the list.
Tom Hiddleston was favourite, but he’s now in second place (Ian West/PA)
Ladbrokes spokesman Jessica Bridge said: “Money talks, and it’s the Poldark man that punters want as their next Bond.
“Turner’s been shaking and stirring the betting for the last week and it’s not a huge surprise to see he’s been backed into odds-on.”
Aidan grew a dedicated fan base starring as the eponymous Poldark (BBC/PA)
The Irishman is no stranger to big franchises, having starred as dwarf Kili in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy.
Skyfall and Spectre director Sam Mendes has warned, however, that the choice of lead actor is “not a public vote”.
Daniel Craig has exited the franchise as Bond (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc)
Speaking at the Hay Festival, he said: “I can guarantee whatever happens with it, it will not be what you expect.
“That’s what she (producer Barbara Broccoli) has been brilliant at, and that’s how it’ll survive.”
