Michelle Keegan 'to battle it out' with Maya Jama for Bond role
Michelle Keegan and Maya Jama are rumoured to be in contention for the role of the next Bond Girl.
Bookmakers suggest they are the strongest contenders for the prestigious gig with the iconic spy thriller poised to start filming later this year. The rumour mill has been working overtime after reports emerged this week that Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been offered the role of James Bond for the next instalment.
Leading bookmaker Coral suggests Michelle and Maya are both in the running to be the next Bond girl. The Love Island host's odds have halved to a stunning 5-1 while Michelle's odds stand at solid 4-5 and is said to be keen for a big-time film role.
Coral spokesman John Hill added: "Many punters believe Michelle Keegan will join Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the next Bond film as the female lead. The Fool Me Once star is now odds-on in our betting to be involved. But we have also seen some outside support for Maya Jama. The Love Island presenter has had her odds slashed in half to be the female lead."
It comes after an insider told The Sun a "formal offer is on the table" for Aaron to take over as James Bond. However, the reports have since been squashed. A source told the BBC that there is "no truth in the rumours", reports the Mirror.
It's hinted that Michelle could join the ranks of iconic actors like Ursula Andress, Michelle Yeoh, Halle Berry and more recently Lea Seydoux, who have all played the secret agent's companions in the franchise. According to Gambling.com, their analysis of betting odds suggests that Michelle is one of the favourites to bag a role in the next film, which will be the first post-Daniel Craig era.
They reporter she is trailing behind Jodie Comer, best known for her role in the BBC's Killing Eve, in the odds. James Leyfield, the outlet's entertainment commentator, reports that Jodie has odds of 6/4 but she "faces increased competition" from Michelle. The latter has reportedly moved up from third favourite at 5/2 to second favourite, with odds of 7/4, in just weeks after her role on Netflix's Fool Me Once.
Currently listed as the third favourite with odds of 5/2 is Kaya Scodelario, 32. She's part of the cast of the newly launched series The Gentlemen on the streaming platform, with her previous credits including shows like Skins.
Reports also suggest that producers are keen on Denis Villenueve directing the new films.
