It has been a two-horse race over the past few weeks with James Norton and Richard Madden battling it out. Although there were reports Norton was already in official negotiations to play 007, the actor categorically denied it was true. At the end of last year, a different TV star was the hot favourite but Sam Heughan has started to slip in the rankings. Meanwhile, Elba had been a huge popular favourite a couple of years ago before falling away – but the Luther star has suddenly shot back up the list. Do people know something we don’t?
Currently, both Ladbrokes and Coral have James Norton at 7-4 with Richard Madden at 3-1.
Boyle Sports is sticking with James Norton on 13-18 but still has Heughan at 9-2 with Madden on 5-1.
But things are suddenly getting very interesting just behind the usual leaders of the pack.
Earlier today Boylesports announced a major flurry of bets on Elba and have almost halved his odds.
BoyleSports rounds out its favourites with Jack Louden and Tom Hiddleston tied on 6-1, followed by Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy and Aidan TUrmer all on 10-1.
Another notable climber is Peaky Blinders’ Cillian Murphy who is coming back into contention at 14-1, up from 20-1.
Ladbrokes aren’t as convinced by Elba’s chances and have him sticking on 10-1, tied with Turner and Murphy. They also have Hiddleston close to the leaders on 6-1, with Lowden, Heughn and Hardy all on 8-1.
Coral has Heughan and Hiddleston tied on 6-1, with Lowden, Hardy and Fassbender close behind on 8-1.
They also keep Elba firmly on 10-1 with Jamie Bell. Murphy remains in the mix at 12-1along with Turner.
It seems there is little variation right now, although it is worth noting that just before Christmas Heughan was the overwhelming front-runner.
There is still everything to play for and it is certainly no tie to give up hope, let alone die…