Damian Lewis 'in running' to be next James Bond as bookmakers slash odds after flurry of bets

 
Next Bond? Damian Lewis is in the running to take over from Daniel Craig (Picture: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for BFI)
Jennifer Ruby16 June 2015
The Weekender

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Damian Lewis is rumoured to be in the running to play James Bond after bookmakers slashed odds following a 'landslide' of bets over the weekend.

While Idris Elba is still favourite to play the role after Daniel Craig bows out, William Hill has now slashed the odds on Lewis from 25/1 to 3/1 while Betfair's odds have dropped from 50/1 to 4/1.

According to a spokesman for William Hill, the bookies have been receiving bets of 'up to £200' on the Homeland star over the last few days, starting the rumour mill spinning.

Rupert Hill said: "This is an unprecedented gamble, as for no apparent reason we have seen bets of up to £200 on Damien Lewis being named as the next Bond.

Stepping down: Daniel Craig is thought to be leaving the franchise after Spectre (Picture: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc./Danjaq/LLC/Columbia Pictures Industries Inc./Jonathan Olley/PA Wire)

"This could well be significant and might herald the end of Daniel Craig as the world’s most famous spy."

A spokesman for Betfair said: "Damian Lewis hadn’t seen any interest in the betting until this weekend, but an absolute landslide in bets has forced us to cut the odds.

James Bond Spectre: Filming In London

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"Idris Elba looked like a foregone conclusion but Damian Lewis has now thrown a huge spanner in the works."

Speaking to Esquire magazine about becoming Bond back in 2013, Lewis said: "Yes, I think it would be wonderful. Daniel is doing an amazing job and he'll continue to do it for a bit. But if it ever comes to that, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."

Craig, who is rumoured to be leaving the franchise after the next film, is still shooting scenes for Spectre, which is slated for release on November 6.

A new Spectre TV spot gave fans their first proper look at new Bond girls Monica Bellucci and Lea Seydoux just last week.

Following on from the teaser trailer that dropped earlier in the year, the new clip aired in the US last Tuesday, showing 007 getting up close and personal with both female characters.

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