A Southampton born actor is odds-on favourite to become the next James Bond after wowing producers with his performance as Prince Charles in an acclaimed Netflix series.

Josh O'Connor, who was born in the city, is best known for his role in Challengers, The Crown and God's Own Country.

But he could soon add the mantle of 007 to that illustrious list, as Josh is now favourite to succeed Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond.

Data from Betfred revealed that Josh is 1/1 in their market for the next Bond, while Theo James is in second place at 6/4.

Fan favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson is priced 2/1 while Henry Cavill - who many thought would be perfect for the role - is a long-shot at 16/1.

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Paul Mescal is another outside shout at 5/1, but James Norton, Jack Lowden and Callum Turner are all also in running at 8/1.

Betfred’s Robert Ford said: “Josh O’Connor’s emergence in the market has taken many by surprise, but after the mass acclaim he received for his role in Challengers, which reportedly raked in close to $100 million at the box office, Josh has now been installed as our even money favourite to become the next James Bond. 

“Trailing Josh in the market are star names Theo James (6/4), Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who’s been heavily linked with the role ever since Daniel Craig exited the franchise, and Paul Mescal whose odds have drifted from 1/1 to 5/1 after being the favourite in December.

“Reports last month suggested that Josh had been handpicked by producer Barbara Broccoli to play the coveted role."

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The 34-year-old actor was born in Southampton before moving to Newbury and then Cheltenham where he was brought up.

As previously reported by the Echo, HELLO! said Josh was the producer's top choice "due to his charisma, charm, and ability to deliver sharp one-liners effortlessly", as well as being "familiar but not too familiar" to audiences.

Josh won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for his work on The Crown while also being known for supporting roles in both Doctor Who and Peaky Blinders in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

An announcement on the 26th Bond film, and the new Bond actor, is due to be made next year.