Aidan Turner 'favourite to be next James Bond'

Poldark star Aidan Turner is hotly tipped to be named as the next James Bond.

Fans are predicting the 32-year-old will leave behind Cornwall's tin mines and replace Daniel Craig in the slick world of international espionage.

Ladbrokes have slashed the odds for Mr Turner to be cast as the next 007, with odds of 1-2.

The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston is currently second with odds of 2-1, with Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and Damian Lewis also making the list.

In May, Gillian Anderson caused a flurry of activity on social media, suggesting she would become the first female Bond by posting an update on Twitter saying: "It's Bond. Jane Bond. Thanks for all the votes!"

Skyfall and Spectre director Sam Mendes has warned, however, that the choice of lead actor was "not a public vote".

Speaking at the Hay Festival, he said: "I can guarantee whatever happens with it, it will not be what you expect.

"That's what she (producer Barbara Broccoli) has been brilliant at, and that's how it'll survive."