Is Richard Madden the next James Bond? Bodyguard role sees actor’s odds slashed

Richard Madden has sparked speculation he could be replacing Daniel Craig as James Bond.

The 32-year-old actor had his odds slashed from 20/1 to 12/1 on becoming the next 007 agent following his stint as protection officer David Budd in Bodyguard.

Fans of the BBC drama, which also stars Keeley Hawes, feel he is a viable candidate to take on the role of the iconic British spy.

Tom Hardy is the current favourite with odds of 6/4. Hot on his heels is Henry Cavill who last week had his odds slashed from 10/1 to 4/1, according to Betfair, after it was reported his tenure as Superman is up.

Idris Elba is third in the betting with odds of 5/1, while Tom Hiddleston is placed at 6/1 and James Norton at 7/1.

Madden has won over a legion of fans as Budd, who is assigned the job of protecting Home Secretary Julia Montague, played by Hawes, in Bodyguard.

Writer Jed Mercurio hinted that Madden’s popularity could stall, or prevent, a second series.

“He’s the genuine article, a real leading man,” he told Radio Times. “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.”