James Norton is favourite to become James Bond, beating Poldark's Aidan Turner and Tom Hiddleston

The Grantchester actor has taken the lead in bookies' polls amid rumours he'll be the new Bond
 
Someone needs to pick up that coveted licence to kill – and bookies think James Norton could be up for the job.

The 30-year-old actor – who set pulses racing after that topless scene in Granchester – is the new favourite to replace Daniel Craig, even beating Poldark's Aidan Turner and one-half-of-Swiddleston, Tom Hiddleston.

"48 hrs ago James Norton was not even in the betting for who will become the next Bond, he has been backed from 66/1 and is now the current 1/3 favourite. We would be astonished if he is not on the short list," said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.

"His good looks and public school background make him a perfect fit for Ian Fleming’s 007."

In March the actor sent fans into a frenzy after opening the ITV drama series half-naked. That sounds just like Bond to us.


James Norton sends Grantchester fans into a frenzy as he opens show half NAKED
Coming in second is Aidan Turner, with odds at 7/4, although after signing on for a third season of Poldark just yesterday, his schedule next year will be too hectic.

The odds as to who will replace Daniel Craig as Bond are: 1/3 James Norton, 7/4 Aidan Turner, 11/2 Tom Hiddleston, 10/1 Idris Elba, 12/1 Damian Lewis, 16/1 Ton Hardy, 20/1 Jamie Bell, 20/1 John Hamm, 25/1 Luke Evans, 25/1 Michael Fassbender, 33/1 Henry Cavill, 40/1 Rupert Friend, 50/1 others.