Aidan Turner 'red hot' favourite for new James Bond after betting suspended

The Poldark actor could take on the role of the 007 agent
Rumoured: Aidan Turner could replace Daniel Craig
Mammoth Screen
Emma Powell16 June 2016
The Weekender

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Aidan Turner is the “red hot” favourite to play James Bond.

The Poldark actor looks set to succeed Daniel Craig as the 007 agent according to Boyle Sports after the bookmaker suspended betting on the star.

Betting was halted after a spike in interest and a four figure sum was placed on the actor.

It was reopened on Wednesday morning with Turner’s odds reduced to 1/5.

Liam Glynn, BoyleSports spokesperson, told Standard Online: “After suspending the betting on Tuesday due to a massive surge of support for Aidan Turner, that included a four figure bet at 2/5 to become the next James Bond, we have opened back up the market this morning but cut Turner into the red hot 1/5 favourite to be drinking his Martini’s 'Shaken Not Stirred'.”

Glynn continued: “There is no smoke without a fire and it certainly looks like Turner has been in negotiations with the Bond producers and it will be interesting to see how long we will be able to keep the market open for.”

Coral briefly suspended bets on who will secure the role in May after a large sum was placed on Tom Hiddleston.

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It came a week after the actor was reportedly seen with Spectre director Sam Mendes and Bond producer Barbara Broccoli.

He has since distanced himself from the role and insisted that there is no ‘announcement’ coming.

Jamie Bell is also believed to be in the running for the role.

The Billy Elliot actor is said to have had informal talks with Broccoli after the pair worked together on Film Stars Don’t Die.

Idris Elba, James Norton and Damian Lewis are also among the rumoured names.

Craig - who enjoyed four outings as Bond in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre - is reported to have stepped away from the franchise, despite being offered ‘£68 million’.

Follow @StandardShowbiz for more entertainment news.

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