William Hill has tipped North East actor Jamie Bell to take on the iconic role of James Bond, pricing him at 18-1.

The actor who hails from Billingham, County Durham, is best known for his role as Billy Elliot who he played when he was 11 years old. The now 36-year-old was added to the Bond market at the end of last year, after the release of Amazon Prime film Without Remorse .

The actor is currently priced at 18-1, alongside other well-known stars including Tom Hiddleston and Chiwetel Ejiofor, both priced at 20-1, in the 007 market.

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In Without Remorse,t he actor plays a shadowy CIA agent in the Tom Clancy action film, which stars Michael B. Jordan and Jodie Turner-Smith. From ballet dancer to CIA agent, Bell has been described as ‘a chameleon actor’ by HeyUGuys.

Speculation has been rife as to who’ll step into Daniel Craigs’ shoes, after he departed from the film franchise following the release of No Time to Die late last year.

Jamie Bell in Billy Elliot 200
Jamie Bell in Billy Elliot 200

Also priced at 18-1 is Welsh actor Luke Evans, known for his detective work in ITV series The Pembrokeshire Murders , setting him up well for a spy role.

The Billy Elliot star is also accompanied by the likes of Chiwetel Ejiofor, priced at 20-1, whose impressive and varied career would make him a top pick for Barbara Broccoli and her time.

A William Hill spokesperson said on Jamie Bell’s odds: “Some may be surprised by Jamie Bell’s place on the 007 market, as it would be quite a career shift from the iconic Billy Elliot role.

Jamie Bell, left, and Daniel Craig
Jamie Bell, left, and Daniel Craig

However, Bell’s venture out into different genres and films, as seen in his performance as a CIA agent, the 36-year-old could well be the perfect candidate for the coveted role of Bond.”

The current frontrunner in the market is Bridgerton heartthrob Rege-Jean Page, who sits at 9-4, followed by Idris Elba (9-2) and long-time favourite Man of Steel , Henry Cavill (5-1).

To read the full list of contenders for the next James Bond, visit: https://sports.williamhill.com/betting/en-gb/tv-specials/OB_EV1075072/next-james-bond-after-daniel-craig