The odds have been slashed on Cillian Murphy replacing Daniel Craig as 007.
Think the flat cap, finely printed bow tie and tweed jacket would be a good look for the new 007? Well, fans of a certain Birmingham-based TV drama can rejoice.
Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy is being backed to become the next James Bond, following his Best Actor in a drama win at the IFTAs.
The Irishman scooped the coveted prize at the movie awards, and has seen his chances of being Bond have escalated dramatically.
In total, 72% of all bets have been placed on the head of the Shelby family in the hit show taking over from Daniel Craig, meaning bookies have had to react.
Three months ago to the day (December 22), Murphy was a mammoth 125/1 shot to be given the role.
Since then, his odds have dropped dramatically, and scooping the Best Actor in a drama has seen him shorten to just 12/1.
That’s considerably more attention than the likes of favourites James Norton, Tom Hardy, Jack Huston, Aidan Turner and Idris Elba are receiving.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek said: “The next James Bond market is immensely popular with punters, and is only matched by the next Arsenal manager market for longevity.
“The Irishman is the darling of the Great British public at the moment, and that’s replicated in who people want as their next heartthrob to play the prestigious role.
“With the amount of attention we’re seeing on Murphy, bookies have had to respond, and his chances of becoming the famous secret agent are increasing more and more by the minute.
“Murphy wouldn't be the first Irishman to land the role, with Pierce Brosnan playing 007 before Daniel Craig.”
