James Bond contenders: Who is going to be the new 007?

Could the race for the next James Bond be over already? The Sun certainly think so, revealing that Poldark star Aidan Turner has recently jetted off to Los Angeles for talks with the franchise's producers.

The news seemed to be confirmed by the BBC's Karen Thrussell, who "set tongues wagging about his Bond prospects" when she collected his Breakthrough Award at the Broadcasting Press Guild awards, says the paper.

Explaining the actor's absence, the Poldark producer told the audience: "I am sure it is nothing to do with James Bond, but we will see."

A source told The Sun that the franchise bosses had been impressed with the Irishman's performance in BBC drama And Then There Was None over Christmas.

"Aidan has held preliminary talks with Bond producers and being in LA will give him a further chance to discuss the role," the source added.

Since the news, odds have been slashed on the actor getting the role, but he still faces competition from the likes of Tom Hiddleston, fresh from his stint as proto-Bond in the BBC's The Night Manager. The British actor has hinted it would be an "extraordinary opportunity" to play 007.

While there has been no official word about leaving from the current incumbent, Daniel Craig, news he had signed up for a US television series prompted the press to declare his "James Bond future was in doubt".

Asked last year if he could see himself tackling the role one more time, Craig told Esquire magazine: "At this moment, no. I have a life and I've got to get on with it a bit. But we'll see."

So who might take over?