Could Idris Elba's younger brother Damson be the next James Bond? Flurry of bets placed the actor as he is now the second-favourite to replace Daniel Craig

Actor Idris Elba's younger brother Damson has become the latest name to be tipped as the next James Bond.

The Mail on Sunday understands a flurry of bets have been put on Damson Idris, 31, in recent days by punters who believe he may replace Daniel Craig as the iconic super spy.

A source said: 'This is the first time Damson's name has been linked with Bond. It's come out of nowhere and is ironic because, for years, Idris has been the one everyone said would make a great Bond.'

According to bookmakers William Hill, Damson is now second-favourite to bag the role of Bond behind Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Idris, 50, confirmed he once discussed Bond with Barbara Broccoli, who owns the rights to the character through her company Eon Productions, but said he now feels 'too old' to play 007.

Idris Elba's younger brother Damson (pictured) has become the latest name to be tipped as the next James Bond

The bookies predictions for the next James Bond include Happy Valley's James Norton and Bridgerton's Rege-Jean Page

Henry Cavill, who has played Superman, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson who starred in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging are both tipped to be the next 007

Idris, star of The Wire and Luther, said recently: 'I think I'm too old for that now.'

Damson has appeared in small roles in series including Black Mirror and Swarm. He is currently starring as Franklin Saint in the drama series Snowfall on the FX channel.

He previously joked about the possibility of playing Bond saying: 'Oh, let's get baby Idris if we can't get big Idris. But I think people are just really encouraged by strong black male leads. It's a compliment.'

Mr Taylor-Johnson,32, has been linked to the 007 role since reports claimed that he did a screen test for the role.

Idris, 50, confirmed he once discussed Bond with Barbara Broccoli, who owns the rights to the character through her company Eon Productions, but said he now feels 'too old' to play 007

Other actors who have been tipped to play Bond include James Norton, Richard Madden and Tom Hardy.

Ms Broccoli has said she will 'take her time' before announcing the new Bond and that she believes, after the huge success of Craig in his five Bond films, 'we need to take the character in a new direction.'

The bookies predictions for the next James Bond also include Happy Valley's James Norton and Bridgerton's Rege-Jean Page. 

The next Bond film had been expected to go into pre-production next year although may be delayed because of the actors and writers strikes in Hollywood.