James Bond fans are hopeful that Daniel Craig’s replacement as the new 007 will be announced at some point this year.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson continues to be the odds-on favourite following reports he has been offered the role, not to mention his coy responses on the matter in public.

But now Netflix Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey has raced up the bookies’ odds and is in joint third to bag the role with James Norton on 5-1.

Lee Astley, spokesperson for betideas.com, said: “The search for our next James Bond seems to have taken another twist in the last few days, with Jonathan Bailey the latest names on everyone’s lips to replace Daniel Craig.

“The Bridgerton actor is a new addition to the market at 5/1 and shares odds with James Norton to be selected for the role, with only Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill ahead of him in the betting.”

The bookies’ latest odds are as follows: Aaron Taylor-Johnson 4/5, Henry Cavill 4/1, James Norton 5/1, Jonathan Bailey 5/1.

Damson Idris 6/1, Theo James 6/1, Leo Woodall 7/1, Regé-Jean Page 8/1.