Next James Bond Odds: The name’s Taylor-Johnson … maybe

Betfred won't be taking any more bets on the identity of the new James Bond.

And that could well spell the end of a market that had been open for nearly a decade - a record for the bookie!

Aaron Taylor-Johnson is widely reported to have landed the coveted role, with a formal offer on the table.

The Wycombe born, 33-year-old  actor who had roles in Kick-Ass, Tenet and Bullet Train has been chosen ahead of rival hunks such as Tom Hardy, Rege-Jean Page, James Norton, Cillian Murphy and Idris Elba.

As head of HM Secret Service, M has at last got his new 007 nearly ten years after Daniel Craig first started to indicate that his assignment in No Time To Die would be his last.

Taylor-Johnson apparently wowed those in the know during a secret audition as preparations begin for the 27th Bond blockbuster - and reportedly met producer Barbara Broccoli last year.

Betfred boss Fred Done - himself a 1,000/1 shot to fulfil his dream of landing the role - said: "Looks like I've sadly missed out once again but to be fair it would have taken up a lot of my time chasing villains all over the world. This has been a fascinating market with huge swings virtually every month or so. Since entering the list of runners and riders in 2022 Aaron has been consistently backed and now he looks like he's past the post."

In a betting show we posted in these columns back in December, Taylor-Johnson was then a 6/4 chance, with Henry Cavill 3/1, Rege-Jean Page 9/2, same price James Norton, and Tom Hardy 8/1.

All those who hoovered up the 'ear-ole will be on good terms with themselves today IF the rumour mill is true, and he accepts the alleged offer.

Enjoy lots of Specials markets with Betfred Insights.