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Odds Cut On 'Bodyguard' Star Richard Madden Becoming Next James Bond

Odds Cut On 'Bodyguard' Star Richard Madden Becoming Next James Bond

That said, my vote still goes to Danny Dyer at 400/1.

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Here we go again - yet another broody BBC drama has been released, and suddenly the odds on one of the stars becoming the next James Bond have been slashed down by some bookmakers.

Richard Madden is the latest to be speculated about as a future 007, after the success of Bodyguard - another BBC show.

It's been this way for a while. In fact, the list of potential candidates reads like a casting director's phonebook of BBC drama programming of recent years.

There's the firm favourite Tom Hardy, of Taboo and Peaky Blinders fame. Cillian Murphy - also of Peaky Blinders - is in the mix too, while historical bore-fest Poldark gives us Aidan Turner for consideration.

James Norton's role in McMafia catapulted him into contention, whilst Luther leading man Idris Elba is also part of the conversation. There's a pattern developing.

Madden is currently smouldering his way through the BBC terrorism/politics drama following on from his role as the ill-fated Robb Stark in Game of Thrones.

PA

While most bookmakers are still offering pretty long odds, some have come in as close as 10/1, meaning that they think he stands a chance.

Some of those who work with him do too.

One of the writers of his Bodyguard, Jed Mercurio, told the Radio Times: "He's the genuine article, a real leading man. And I think this role has put him very much in the spotlight for bigger things.

"So, the practicality may be that we have to work round his availability, if we are lucky enough to get him back [for a second season]."

That being said, there are some pretty big names up there, on top of the ones that have been mentioned. Henry Cavill has drastically decreased in price recently, and people like Tom Hiddleston, Ewan McGregor, and Michael Fassbender are also on the bookies' chalkboard as possibilities.

Bodyguard's Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, and Jed Mercutio.
PA

Interestingly enough, sitting at 12/1 with bookmakers Coral is 'Any Woman'.

Surely that's worth a fiver, just on the off-chance?

There are some others out at the more - shall we say - unlikely end of the scale. For example, David Walliams, and David Beckham can be wagered on at 500/1.

As can musicians P. Diddy and Robbie Williams.

One bookie will give you 400/1 on Danny Dyer. That would make the best Bond film ever, no doubt.

Come on Bond fans, you know it makes sense.
PA

Anyway, we're no closer to knowing who it's going to be, in the same way that we're no closer to knowing what 'Bond 25' will be called and when it will be out.

Recently, director Danny Boyle walked away from the project citing 'creative differences'. The writer, John Hodge, then promptly did the same. On the upside, SJ Campbell could take up the directorial role, making her the first woman to direct a Bond film.

Regardless of who is donning the famous tuxedo afterwards, Daniel Craig is in the driving seat for at least one more film.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Entertainment, Movies, TV and Film, UK Entertainment, US Entertainment, Hollywood, James Bond