James Bond fans convinced Richard Madden has dropped major clue he’s next 007

James Bond fans are all shaken up after believing Richard Madden has hinted he’s taking over from Daniel Craig in the iconic role.

The Game of Thrones actor, 36, is among the favourites to be the next 007, alongside the likes of Happy Valley’s James Norton and Bridgerton’s Rege-Jean Page.

And the Scottish star is seemingly not dampening the rumours with a telling video posted on Instagram on Friday during which he enjoys a drink with his Citadel co-star Stanley Tucci.

In the short clip, the Searching For Italy presenter and Richard appear to be sipping from martinis fans have guessed were shaken and not stirred.

Stanley, 62, then asked the Bodyguard actor for his thoughts on the beverage, with a sheepish locking Richard responding quietly: ‘Delicious.’

Given that James Bond’s drink of choice is the martini, fans have put two and two together and are convinced Richard and Stanley are making a major hint.

Fans believe Richard Madden’s martini was a nod to James Bond (Picture: Eon)

Richard described the martini as ‘delicious’ (Picture: Shutterstock)

One wrote: ‘I don’t know what drinks look like, but if that’s Richard Madden drinking a Martini that’s been shaken, not stirred……imma hit the roof with excitement.’

‘Love this 🤣🤣🤣🤣 hope your the new James bond and Stanley is your adversary! 🍸🍸🍸 [sic],’ another remarked.

A third added: ‘New Bond and Q?’

Richard plays a character similar to Bond in Citadel alongside Priyanka (Picture: Prime Video)

James is still one of the favourites to take on the iconic role (Picture: Getty)

Richard has been previously grilled about taking on the role of Bond but refused to give anything away.

He said coyly at the time: ‘Lots of people talk, it’s just talk… I’m just happy to be here, this is a mad dream for me!’

But a producer for Bodyguard seemed to ‘confirm Richard is in talks to play Bond’ while discussing his future on series two of the BBC hit.

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‘We don’t know if Richard will do series two [of Bodyguard],’ a producer told Mail On Sunday. ‘It depends what happens with James Bond, we don’t know yet.’

His Bodyguard co-star Keeley Hawes would certainly like to see him as the secret service agent, previously revealing she would ‘love’ him to join the franchise.

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Shaken not stirred