Next James Bond: Odds slashed as former favourite now 'back at the top end of the market'

Following behind on 7-2 is Henry Cavill, who famously lost out to Craig in the last round of auditions.

But now gaining some speed is Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page, who has recently attracted a flurry of support.

The latest shake-up has resulted Page's odds being slashed and gaining on the two frontrunners.

Coral’s John Hill announced this morning: “Bridgerton star Regé-Jean Page has attracted a flurry of support in our betting to become the next James Bond.

“He is back at the top end of the market and is he sure to be under consideration as a replacement for Daniel Craig.”

The 35-year-old’s odds have been cut from 6-1 to 4-1 in the last few hours.

The star who recently featured in Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, is now drawing with James Norton on 4-1.

Those following behind include Tom Hardy on 7-1, Paapa Essiedu on 8-1, Jack Lowden on 12-1 and both Richard Madden and Callum Turner on 14-1.

It comes as one industry executive claimed "the next James Bond won't be white".

Despite all the gossip and guesswork, Pinewood’s best kept secret holds true with insiders divided over the next Bond’s background, skin tone, acting CV and accent.

One TV executive told GB News: “I think the days of a white Bond are over. You could look to the recent casting of Doctor Who as a bellwether in that respect.

“I’d be particularly surprised if it was a white, clipped, upper middle class English actor. That would be a bold move but I think it would be suicidal for the Broccoli franchise.

“If you’d asked me about six years ago, I'd have said it’d be Idris Elba. I think his time might have gone now as I think he may be perceived as too old.”