Outlander star Sam Heughan has been one of the bookies favourites to take on the iconic 007 role since Daniel Craig announced he'd be stepping down.
New betting figures reveal that William Hill is backing the Outlander star at 16-1 to take over the role from Craig, 54.
The 41-year-old actor is best known for his starring role as Jamie Fraser, a Highland warrior in the drama-fantasy series Outlander, alongside Caitríona Balfe, who plays a WW2 military nurse.
Sam, originally from Dumfries, first auditioned for the role in 2005 when producers were hiring for Casino Royale, Craig's first film as the womanising spy.
He recently revealed what he would bring to the famous franchise if he were to be cast, saying to The Sunday Times that he would take it “back to where it all began… What would I bring? Scottish charm and a slight humour.”
Other Scots who could take the franchise back to its days of ‘Scottish charm’ include BAFTA nominated Jack Lowden, priced at 28-1, Trainspotting star Ewan McGregor at 66-1, and Line of Duty’s Martin Compston also priced at 66-1.
Current favourites for playing the new James Bond at William Hill are Rege-Jean Page at odds of 7-4, and Idris Elba and Henry Cavill both at 9-2.
Speaking on Alex Zane's podcast Just The Facts, Sam admitted it would be 'amazing' as he discussed the internet speculation and hype around him joining MI6 in the next Bond flick.
He told the podcast: "It's all media and it's all just... there's no weight to it at all, there's no truth to it. But having said that, you can't help but then think 'God, it would be amazing".
"I have been up for Bond, I went up when they did Bond 21.
"It was an amazing experience and I was completely out of my depth. But I think now I feel the right age for it, I feel capable enough to do it, I'd love the opportunity to throw my hat in the ring. Definitely."
Craig stayed played James Bond in five films - Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time To Die.
So far, despite all the speculation over who will next take on the role, fans have no definitive answer.
Who would you like to see play James Bond? Let us know in the comments.
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Showbiz newsletter here .
