Richard Madden has emerged as a shock contender to become the next James Bond as his odds are suddenly slashed by the bookies.
The Scottish actor, 40, shot to fame playing Robb Stark in the HBO fantasy drama series Game of Thrones.
Now, he is hotly tipped to be named as the new 007, as speculation over which actor will be offered the coveted role continues to grow.
According to bookies William Hill, Richard could be replacing Daniel Craig, with the actor being slashed from 40/1 to 14/1 in William Hill's betting.
Jack Lowden remains the favourite to become the next 007, although he has shortened further from 4/5 to 4/6, with Callum Turner his closest challenger at 3/1.
Jacob Elordi is next in the betting at 8/1, while Jack O'Connell and Josh O'Connor are both priced at 12/1.
Richard Madden has emerged as a shock contender to become the next James Bond as his odds are suddenly slashed by the bookies
The Scottish actor, 40, is hotly tipped to be named as the new 007, taking over Daniel Craig as speculation over which actor will be offered the coveted role continues to grow
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: 'Richard Madden has made a huge move in our next James Bond betting, going from 40/1 into 14/1 to emerge as a potential contender for one of cinema's most iconic roles.
'Jack Lowden remains the man to beat at 4/6, having shortened from 4/5, with Callum Turner his nearest challenger at 3/1.
'Madden's move adds another interesting name to the mix, but Lowden continues to lead the way as speculation over who will become the next 007 continues.'
Last month, screenwriter Steven Knight confirmed 007 has already been cast.
He was asked on Radio 4 whether he had written the film with the chosen actor in mind or based on what he already knew about the character.
The Peaky Blinders creator, who is in the process of writing the new Bond script, replied: 'It's a bit of both.
'It does make life a little bit easier if you know who that person is, but also you have to write the character, not the actor.'
He added: 'The thing with Bond is that it's its own universe and own franchise so there are certain rules, obviously you have to move it along but I love where it sits.
Last month, James Bond screenwriter Steven Knight confirmed 007 has already been cast
'I love that it's British and it's not DC or Marvel. The only thing I can say is I feel like I'm doing my duty for King and country.
'It's like something if you're a British writer, you have to do.'
Speculation about who will take over from Craig has been rife for months and recently heightened after Amazon MGM Studios announced in May auditions were finally taking place.
The job of finding the next Bond now falls to casting director Nina Gold and director Denis Villeneuve.
Presenter Richard Osman has also teased he has been told who is likely to take on the role.
Speaking to his co-host Marina Hyde on an episode of his podcast The Rest Is Entertainment, Richard said: 'Someone told me for definite who the new Bond is the other day, but I mean that's happened before. The name I've heard is Jack Lowden.'
Richard cautioned: 'It is definitely not a "he's definitely got it" thing. He is definitely being strongly considered. I think he'd be amazing.'
Marina agreed, pointing out that at 36, Jack is 'a good age. You have to have the longevity. They've got to do at least two movies, and he's a good age for it.'
Richard said the actor has 'real Daniel Craig energy', adding that he 'is such a brilliant actor. Can be funny, can definitely do action. I mean, I think he'd be sensational.'
Jack, who also had a role in Christopher Nolan's epic Dunkirk, is set to star as another leading man, Mr Darcy in Netflix's anticipated Pride And Prejudice adaptation, coming later this year.
Jack's wife, the actress Saoirse Ronan, 32, has previously backed her husband for the 007 role.