Bets are on Bridgerton actor Regé-Jean Page to take on the role of James Bond

Could the Duke of Hastings be our new James Bond?

Regé-Jean Page, who plays Simon Bassett in Bridgerton, sparked rumours when he tweeted in December: "Regency, royalty," followed by the 007 reference "shaken and stirred," i.e. the way the iconic character likes his martini.

Now, it appears the odds are in His Grace's favour, according to British betting firm Ladbrokes. Variety reports the odds on which the actor will play the next Bond is now just 5/1; it was 40/1 before Christmas.

Ladbrokes representative Alex Apati tells the publication the success of the Netflix show has something to do with it of course – "It's the reason Cillian Murphy was once favourite during the peak of Peaky Blinders," he says. "However, what strengthens RJP's chances somewhat more is that an announcement feels seemingly imminent [around] Daniel Craig's replacement, so the timing of 'Bridgerton" s success may well have worked in his favour."

The actor, however, still has to compete with the likes of Tom Hardy, James Norton and Idris Elba for the role.