Ed Sheeran in poll position for 'No Time to Die' as bookies slash Bond theme odds

Ed Sheeran remains the bookies’ favourite to step into the recording booth for the new James Bond theme tune as his odds have been slashed once again.

Sheeran is now the clear favourite to sing the theme for No Time to Die, which is likely to be Daniel Craig’s final outing as Ian Fleming’s superspy.

Read more: Who should sing the new Bond theme?

Bookmaker Betway is reporting that its odds for the 28-year-old Shape of You singer have been cut from 5/1 to 7/2, before plummeting to 6/4 on Monday morning.

This places him ahead of New Rules singer Dua Lipa, who had been considered a strong contender and is still getting odds of 4/1 from Betway.

Sheeran is also the favourite at Paddy Power, who are offering very short odds of 1/3 on the four-time Grammy winner getting the job.

The singer has previously said he is “open” to recording a Bond theme, in the wake of constant speculation.

Also in the frame with Betway are Adele and Sam Smith, who each won Oscars for their previous Bond theme tunes.

Adele recorded Skyfall for the 2012 film of the same name, while Smith sang Writing’s On The Wall for 2015 Bond adventure Spectre.

Both are in joint third place to take a second bite at the 007 cherry with odds of 10/1.

Read more: First official look at No Time to Die

Neither appears in Paddy Power’s list, however, with R&B rising star Jorja Smith tipped at 5/2 ahead of Dua Lipa at 25/1.

Those in favour of more speculative betting have a chance to take a punt on a number of artists at 33/1 via Betway, including the Spice Girls and both of the Gallagher brothers — individually, of course.

Over at Paddy Power, meanwhile, there are some big names in the frame including Harry Styles, Beyonce and Lana Del Rey — all available at 33/1.

No Time to Die is currently in the midst of principal photography and is hoping to overcome the myriad problems it has faced throughout its development and production.

Craig will play an older Bond, away from active service, who is dragged back into the action by his CIA buddy Felix Leiter and faces the threat of Rami Malek’s villain.

Read more: James Bond films crucial for MI6 recruitment

Globe-trotting filming for the movie has taken place in Jamaica, Italy, Norway and Scotland, as well as in London and at Pinewood Studios.

The film is scheduled for release on both sides of the Atlantic in April 2020, with the UK getting its homegrown hero a few days earlier than the USA.