James Norton is now favourite to be next Bond

James Norton has overtaken Aidan Turner and Tom Hiddleston to become the bookies favourite to play the next James Bond.

According to Paddy Power, the Happy Valley star is now 1/3 to land the role. See the full list of contenders below:

1/3 James Norton
7/4 Aidan Turner
9/2 Tom Hiddleston
10/1 Idris Elba
11/1 Damian Lewis
12/1 Jamie Bell
12/1 Tom Hardy
25/1 Michael Fassbender
50/1 Gillian Anderson

Norton has gone from being 33/1 six weeks ago to now the frontrunner. So it seems someone may have some top secret information.

‘We’ve barely had any bets on Norton to be the next Bond,’ said a Paddy Power spokesperson, ‘we thought the first this morning was like a hopeful roulette spin in Casino Royale.’

‘However, after a sudden sequence of follow-up punts, we’re starting to suspect that we’re dealing with a Dr. In The Know – so the odds have Skyfall-en.’

One thing seems for sure and that’s that Daniel Craig won’t be returning as 007 after reportedly turning down £68million. And with Norton now the favourite, we may soon see his name officially attached to the role.