Poldark actor Aidan Turner hotly tipped to be next James Bond

Fans are predicting the 32-year-old could soon leave behind Cornwall’s tin mines for the slick world of international espionage as they put their money on him to replace Daniel Craig.

Aidan Turner is now hot favourite to be James Bond (Ian West/PA)

Ladbrokes are reporting that Aidan is now front-runner to be cast as 007, with odds at 1-2 after a big week of betting.

The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston trails behind in second with odds of 2-1, with Tom Hardy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill and Damian Lewis making up the rest of the list.

Tom Hiddleston was favourite, but he’s now in second place (Ian West/PA)

Ladbrokes spokesman Jessica Bridge said: “Money talks, and it’s the Poldark man that punters want as their next Bond.

“Turner’s been shaking and stirring the betting for the last week and it’s not a huge surprise to see he’s been backed into odds-on.”

Aidan grew a dedicated fan base starring as the eponymous Poldark (BBC/PA)

The Irishman is no stranger to big franchises, having starred as dwarf Kili in Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy.

Skyfall and Spectre director Sam Mendes has warned, however, that the choice of lead actor was “not a public vote”.

Daniel Craig has exited the franchise as Bond (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc)

Speaking at the Hay Festival, he said: “I can guarantee whatever happens with it, it will not be what you expect.

“That’s what she (producer Barbara Broccoli) has been brilliant at, and that’s how it’ll survive.”