James Bond bombshell as odds HALVED on Aidan Turner to replace Daniel Craig as new 007

James Bond is one of the most coveted and iconic roles in cinema and it’s been an impressive 14 years since the position was last open. After five movies as the legendary 007, Daniel Craig is preparing to say goodbye to the character. Craig will depart the franchise following his final appearance in the upcoming No Time To Die.

This means the job is up for grabs, allowing another actor to join the long line of Bond stars, a legacy which includes the likes of Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan.

This week, there’s been some big moves in among bookies’ frontrunners, with Aidan Turner shooting up the list.

The Poldark star’s odds have been halved since last week, according to Ladbrokes.

Over the weekend, his odds were shortened from 16-1 to 10-1 and, now, they’ve been trimmed again to just 8-1.

READ MORE: JAMES BOND NO TIME TO DIE SHOOT ‘CHAOTIC’

Bond stalwart Craig previously implied Spectre would be his last movie in the title role but was later persuaded to return for one more.

No Time To Die, which is set for release later this spring, sees Bond retired from active service and enjoying a quiet life in Jamaica.

The peace is soon shattered, however, when CIA agent and old pal Felix Leiter (played by Jeffrey Wright) appears, asking for help rescuing a kidnapped scientist.

As a result, Bond is led on the trail of a mysterious new villain, armed with a dangerous, cutting-edge technology.

The villain, Safin, sees Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek come on board for his first ever Bond role.

Though the first trailer for No Time To Die, which came out last month, gave little away about the plot, it appears Safin might have some connection to Bond’s love, Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux).

In the clip, the famous spy could be seen growing suspicious of Swann as they were chased by gun-wielding baddies.

“Why would I betray you?” she begged, to which Bond replied through gritted teeth: “We all have our secrets. We just didn’t get you yours yet.”

James Bond: No Time To Die is released in UK cinemas April 3.

source: express.co.uk