James Bond: 'Richard Madden ticks all the right boxes' Star taking over from Daniel Craig?

James Bond fans are eagerly awaiting any news pertaining to who will be the next 007 after Daniel Craig, 51, exits the role.

According to bookies Coral, Madden is now odds-on to land the coveted role of the next 007.

Having seen a huge surge of bets in the past 48 hours, he’s now favourite in their eyes to play the world-famous spy.

“Richard Madden ticks all the right boxes when it comes to James Bond so it is easy to see why punters are rushing in to back him to be the next 007 where he is now odds-on in the betting,” Coral’s John Hill said.

With Madden now at 1-2 for the job, he is closely followed by Tom Hiddleston, 38, at 4-1.

Meanwhile, also still in the running are Idris Elba, 47, at 6-1 and James Norton, 34, also at 6-1.

Peaky Blinders favourite Cillian Murphy, 43, follows at 7-1, while his co-star Tom Hardy, 42, is at 12-1.

The hot topic surrounding Bond remains whether or not writers will choose to make 007 a woman.

Coral currently has odds at 20-1 for any female actor to be cast as the next Bond.

Madden’s name has been on everyone’s lips as a potential new Bond since his gripping portrayal of Sergeant David Budd in BBC drama Bodyguard last year.

The actor is also known for roles in the likes of Game of Thrones, Cinderella and, more recently, Rocketman.

Elsewhere, Craig recently wrapped filming on his final outing as Bond.

According to reports, Daniel Craig got emotional saying goodbye to James Bond at the No Time To Die wrap party in Italy last month.

The Daily Mail reported he delivered a speech at the bash, saying: “I just want to say and I am really quite drunk now so I won’t go on for long…

“This has been the best, most wonderful experience I have ever had. You have all done the most amazing job.

“I could not be more proud to work with every single one of you on this production,” the actor reportedly told his colleagues, going on to say a special thank you to director Barbara Broccoli.

No Time To Die will see Bond retired from active service and enjoying a peaceful life in Jamaica before his down time is disrupted by a visit from CIA pal Felix Leiter (played by Jeffrey Wright).

He soon gets sucked back in to a brand new mission as they set off to save a kidnapped scientist.

Before long, Bond finds himself up against a mysterious villain in charge of a dangerous cutting edge technology.

It will see new stars joining the cast including Lashana Lynch, 31, Ana de Armas, 31, and Rami Malek, 38.

source: express.co.uk