Welsh actor Luke Evans one of the favourites to be next James Bond

Welsh actor Luke Evans is one of the favourites to be the next James Bond.

The Hollywood star, who hails from Aberbargoed, a small village in Rhymney Valley, is firmly in the running for the iconic role, according to Betfair.

Speculation is ramping up about who the next 007 will be ahead of No Time to Die’s premiere next week which marks Daniel Craig’s swan song.

Tom Hardy is the bookies favourite to be next actor to become James Bond, followed by Bridgeton star Rege-Jean Page, and then Luke Evans.

‘Successor’ 

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “With Daniel Craig about to sip his last on-screen martini with No Time to Die premiering next week, thoughts immediately turn to his successor behind the wheel of the Aston Martin.

“And it’s little surprise that Tom Hardy, an actor celebrated for his powerful and versatile roles as the likes of Bane and both Kray twins, is the 13/8 favourite in the betting to become the new 007.

“But Hardy faces stiff competition from the likes of Bridgeton star Rege-Jean Page, who is 2/1 second favourite and Welsh heartthrob Luke Evans at 3/1.

“Further back are the likes of Tom Hiddleston at 9/2 and Michael Fassbender at 5/1, while Hollywood stars Cillian Murphy and Idris Elba are both 7/1.

“There is also the notable inclusion of Lashana Lynch at a healthily-priced 6/1, who is starring in No Time to Die as a secret agent who inherits the 007 title while Bond is in exile – and could become the first ever full-time female 007.”