Rival bookmakers dismiss Colin Salmon links as publicity stunt

Casino Royale - 05-12-04

A flurry of bets on actor Colin Salmon to replace Pierce Brosnan as the next James Bond was dismissed today as a “publicity stunt” - reports the Scotsman.

Bookmaker William Hill received “hundreds of calls” today from punters eager to back Salmon, who would be the first black actor to take the role.

The interest follows reports that rival agency Ladbrokes stopped taking bets on Salmon on Wednesday after receiving six bets worth up to £500 each in just under an hour.

Ladbrokes, fearing a sting, felt people might be using insider knowledge and cancelled betting immediately.

Speculation was further fuelled today when The Sun newspaper reported the 41-year-old actor has started using the spy’s code name 007 in his autograph.



In response, William Hill today slashed Salmon’s odds from 40/1 to 3/1 and he is now second favourite behind Scottish actor Ewan McGregor.

However, the bookmaker believes the bets placed on Salmon with Ladbrokes are a stunt. It has given Salmon very small odds in the hope that it would deter people from placing bets on the actor.

“We have had a number of punters backing Colin Salmon to be the next Bond,” the spokesman said.

“I think that the interest shown is purely speculation and is not based on insider information.

“As far as we are aware a decision will not be made until the New Year.”

“It’s a stunt of some description.”

Salmon has already appeared in the Bond series as M’s chief of staff, Charles Robinson, in the last three Bond films.

Thanks to `Kyvan` for the alert.

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Earlier Story: British radio poll to find best actor for next James Bond names... Pierce Brosnan

Later Story: Irish TV - `Die Another Day` to premiere on RTE on Christmas Day

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