Bookies are convinced they know who will be the next James Bond as a rush of bets are placed on a British actor to replace Daniel Craig

Betting agents are convinced they know who will be the next James Bond as a rush of bets have been placed on a British actor.

Daniel Craig, 56, announced No Time To Die would be his final outing as 007 in 2019 after appearing as the legendary spy five films.

Despite the next instalment not being expected for at least another few years, speculation has already been rife about who will take on the coveted role.

According to bookmakers William Hill, the bets have been placed on Josh O'Connor as the next Bond.

Josh, 34, who won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his portrayal of Prince Charles in The Crown, was sensational – and sexy – in Challengers opposite Zendaya. 

Now, with appalling reviews and worse box office for former Bond fave Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Kraven, he is edging ahead in the race to be the next 007. 

William Hill have him at 8/11, followed by Theo James, then Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Josh is fast becoming one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men and is one of several actors, including Paul Mescal, who have sprung to fame for portraying more nuanced sides of masculinity.

Although Josh put it more bluntly in an interview: 'I think we're all still trying to figure out what the f*** is wrong with men.'

It comes after Daniel offered a very blunt three-word response when asked who he wants to play the next James Bond.

As the rumour mill bubbles at speculation as to who will be taking over from him, Daniel has made his feelings on a new casting known - albeit bluntly.

Variety asked Daniel and his Queer co-star Drew Starkey: 'If you were to pass the James Bond torch, who would you love to see play him?'

The question prompted a laugh from the Knives Out star as he matter-of-factly replied: 'I Don't Care.'

As for producer Barbara Broccoli, she has said she will 'take her time' before announcing the new Bond and that she believes, after the huge success of Craig in his five Bond films, 'we need to take the character in a new direction.'

Much to the dismay of fans, was was reportedly reported they will be waiting half a decade to see another 007 flick return to their screens.

The five-year delay is reportedly caused by 'delays to production and casting' as the next spy is still yet to be confirmed.

A year after the No Time To Die release in September 2021, Barbara said that there was a year wait before filming the next flick.

But, to the unhappiness of 007 fans, it is likely to be much longer as filming has still not started.

In June, 2022, Barbara said: 'There isn't a script and we can't come up with one until we decide how we're going to approach the next film because, really, it's a reinvention of Bond.

'We're reinventing who he is, and that takes time. I'd say that filming is at least two years away.'

And that foresighted deadline has now passed and not only has filming not started, but the leading man has still not been cast.

One film insider told the Mirror: 'The best case scenario is a new Bond film in cinemas by the end of 2026 - which is five years after No Time To Die - and that's if things get shaken up soon,'

While another source told the publication that there were rumours of problems with scripts and delays.