Next Bond Girl: Race to star opposite new 007 sees surprise shake-up amid Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumours
Next Bond Girl: The race to star opposite Daniel Craig's replacement has heated up
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Odds on the next female actor to play James Bond's love interest have seen some very interesting movement in recent days thanks to one of Netflix's biggest releases of the year.
What exactly the next Bond film will look like remains a mystery to fans of the spy thriller franchise who are still awaiting official confirmation on who'll step into 007's shoes.
It's been five years since Daniel Craig announced he was stepping and earlier this year, it was reported Aaron Taylor-Johnson had been offered the part.
However, Barbara Broccoli and co at Eon Productions poured cold water on these reports - although he does remain an odds-on frontrunner to bag the part despite One Day's Leo Woodall soaring up the odds recently.
Taylor-Johnson's unveiling may be a foregone conclusion to many Bond fans but the race to star opposite Craig's replacement is far from over.
In fact, following the release of Bridgerton's third season, Irish actress Nicola Coughlan has found herself soaring up the odds to rival the frontrunner spot.
Next Bond Girl: Sydney Sweeney has been tipped to land the role
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Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney remains bookmakers' hottest tip but Coughlan now poses stern opposition.
Gambling.com betting expert, James Leyfield, said of the next Bond girl market: "Sydney Sweeney has been in contention for a while, but the star's price has now been cut by the bookies to 6/4.
"She has been racking up the film credits in recent years, including Marvel movie Madame Web and romantic-comedy Anyone but You, and it wouldn't be a surprise if she added the next Bond movie to her ever-growing career.
"Another star whose career continues to go from strength to strength is Nicola Coughlan," Leyfield continued.
Next Bond Girl: Nicola Coughlan has rocketed up the odds
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"The Irish actress rose to prominence in comedy series Derry Girls, but Netflix megahit Bridgerton has put her firmly on the showbiz map.
"The latest series mainly focused on Coughlan's character Penelope Bridgerton, and she has essentially become the main star of the series thanks to her alter-ego, gossip columnist Lady Whistledown.
"Coughlan is also no stranger to the big screen having appeared in last year's Barbie movie, and she would be a shrewd signing by Bond bosses. The star is 7/4 to add a Bond film to her film credits."
However, according to bookies, it's by no means a two-horse race between Sweeney and Coughlan to bag the part.
The pair are closely following in the market by Killing Eve's Jodie Comer at 2/1, The Gentlemen's Kaya Scodelario at 3/1, and Fool Me Once star Michelle Keegan at 7/2.
For those looking for an outside bet in the market, it looks like singer-turned-Barbie star Dua Lipa may be worth a punt.
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Daniel Craig's James Bond replacement is yet to be announced PADespite honing her craft on stage, which has resulted in a slot at this year's Glastonbury, Dua Lipa has seen her odds slashed to make waves in the acting world.
Her odds have plummeted from 14/1 all the way down to 4/1, making her now sixth-favourite to land the role.
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