Bookmaker suspends betting on next James Bond

Coral has suspended betting on who will be named the next James Bond after a large bet was placed on the British actor Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

A bookmaker has suspended betting on who will be named as the next James Bond after a large bet was placed on British actor Tom Hiddleston.

Coral reduced the odds on Mr Hiddleston replacing Daniel Craig as the next 007 after a flurry of bets reduced his odds to 2-1 favourite.

After a significant gamble was made, his odds were reduced to 1-2 before Coral suspended betting.

Earlier this week, Tom Hiddleston reportedly met Bond director Sam Mendez and producer Barbara Broccoli, sparking rumours the star of The Night Manager will take over the famous role.

Coral said the previous frontrunners had been Luther star Idris Elba and Homeland actor Damian Lewis. They were priced at 9-1 and 14-1 respectively, before betting was suspended.

Other notable candidates were Poldark star Aidan Turner and Mad Max: Fury Road actor Tom Hardy.