Michelle Keegan is said to be among the favourites to play the companion of James Bond in the next film as rumours swirl that Aaron Taylor-Johnson could get lead role

Michelle Keegan and Maya Jama may need to show they’re handy with a pistol – they could be about to shoot it out to become the next Bond Girl.

Bookies say they pair are the strongest contenders for the iconic job with the spy thriller get to start filming later this year. The speculation comes following reports this week that Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 33, has been offered the role of James Bond in the next film.

Of course he needs a strong woman by his side and according to Coral, Michelle and Maya are both in the frame. The Love Island host’s odds have been suddenly slashed in half and are now at 5-1. The Corrie star Michelle has seen hers reduced to 4-5 and is said to be keen to take on a massive film role.

Bookies believe that Michelle Keegan could be the next Bond Girl (
Image:
Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)

But suddenly, Maya Jama’s odds for the job have been halved (
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Har)

Coral’s John Hill said: “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.”

A source told the Sun that a “formal offer is on the table” for Aaron to end years of Bond speculation but that’s since been dismissed. A source told the BBC that there is “no truth in the rumours”. It’s teased that Michelle could follow in the footsteps of actors like Ursula Andress, Michelle Yeoh, Halle Berry and more recently Léa Seydoux, who have all played companions of the secret agent in the franchise.

According to Gambling.com, it’s analysis of betting odds has also found that Michelle is one of the favourites to land a role in the next film, which is set to be the first since Daniel Craig’s departure. She’s said to be behind Jodie Comer, best known for starring in the BBC’s Killing Eve, in the odds.

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The outlet’s entertainment commentator James Leyfield reports that Jodie has odds of 6/4 but she “faces increased competition” from Michelle. The latter is said to have gone 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.

Kaya Scodelario, 32, is listed as the third favourite at the moment with odds of 5/2. She’s among the cast of the streaming platform’s newly launched series the Gentlemen, with her previous credits having included shows like Skins. Reports also claim that producers keen on Denis Villenueve directing the new films