A second Irishman could be on the way to playing Britain’s most famous spy after the odds on Paul Mescal playing James Bond were slashed by a top bookmaker.
After scooping his Bafta on Sunday Ladbrokes cut the odds for the Normal People star from 25/1 to just 14/1 on replacing Daniel Craig as 007
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: "Paul Mescal is the man of the moment and after scooping a BAFTA, the betting suggests he could be the next 007.”
Another bookmaker has revealed that the Irish star’s fans are backing him to win an Oscar in the future.
Mescal is now 15/8 from 3/1 with BoyleSports to win an Oscar by 2025 with the odds dwindling in gradually from a high of 33/1 over the last year and it’s easy to see why following his success.
Sarah Kinsella, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “It didn’t take long for punters to swoop following Paul Mescal’s big win at the BAFTAs and the future is looking bright for the Kildare man.
“Further support has arrived for him to make it big in Hollywood, meaning the Normal People star is now just 15/8 from 3/1 to land an Oscar by the end of 2025, which is the lowest price he has been since betting opened last year.”
The 25-year old star was named Best Actor for his role as Connell in Normal People - the hit adaptation of the Sally Rooney bestseller.
Speaking on the Marty Morrissey Show on RTÉ Radio 1, Paul Mescal Senior said the win was also a fantastic experience for the family at home.
He said they had a Bafta party in Kilcock, Co Kildare on Sunday night, hosted by the actor’s aunt.
Mr Mescal said his son wasn’t the only one who was emotional when his name was announced at the ceremony.
