Damian Lewis has been tipped as one of the frontrunners to be the next James Bond. A recent flurry of bets at the bookmakers has sparked speculation that the handsome Homeland star could take over the iconic role from Daniel Craig.William Hill have slashed the odds on Damian from 25/1 to 3/1 – making him the second favourite for the part behind Idris Elba. "This is an unprecedented gamble, as for no apparent reason we have seen bets of up to £200 on Damian Lewis being named as the next Bond," spokesperson Rupert Adams told the Telegraph. "This might well be significant."
© Photo: Getty ImagesDamian Lewis is being tipped as the new Bond after a flurry of bets at the bookmakers
Similarly, at Betfair, the redhead's odds have been cut from 50/1 to 4/1. "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," a representative said. "Idris Elba looked like a foregone conclusion but Damian Lewis has now thrown a huge spanner in the works. "Damian, 44, is currently appearing in London's West End in David Marmet's play American Buffalo, alongside John Goodman and Tom Sturridge. While he has not commented on the new reports, he previously joked in an interview with the Telegraph in 2013 that 007's Scottish heritage "paved the way perfectly for a red-head Bond."
Idris, meanwhile, remains favourite to take over the role from Daniel, who is widely speculated to be stepping down after Spectre hits screens. If Idris secures the part, he will make history as the first black actor to play Bond.Addressing speculation about the role last year, the 42-year-old posted a funny selfie on Twitter with the caption: "007 is supposed to be handsome? Glad you think I've got a shot!!"
