Cillian Murphy looking likely for the James Bond role.

According to the Bookies it is looking likely that Peaky Blinders star, Cillian Murphy may get to step into the 007 shoes when Daniel Craig departs the role. The odds on the actor getting the role have  been slashed, meaning its starting to look increasingly likely.

According to OddsChecker, about 72 percent of all Bond bets have been placed on the Peaky Blinders star, which has meant bookies have had to respond. While his odds were a huge 125/1 just three months ago, they've now dropped to 12/1.

Others in the running are Tom Hardy, James Norton and Idris Elba.

Forget all this nonsense about the next Bond being played by a woman - because that's just nonsense. The character is male and should stay male - to suddenly change sex would be a step too far. They may get away with it in Doctor Who (though that remains to be seen), but the character of Doctor Who and Bond are too very different characters, two widely different concepts. 

I think I'd like Murphy in the role, but I'm also rooting for Idris Elba, who I think would be exceptionally good.

Ah well, watch this space.