Tom Hardy appears in great spirits as he takes selfies with students in the street

He’s reportedly set to become the next James Bond after Daniel Craig’s outing in No Time to Die, set for release in April next year.

But Tom Hardy brushed aside speculation as he stopped in the street to take selfies with students in Richmond on Monday.

The actor, 43, flashed a rare smile as he was surrounded by excited fans who asked to capture their meeting on their mobile phones.

Cutting a sporty figure, the Inception star wore a Tribe slogan T-shirt on top of a long-sleeved racing-inspired top.

The Hammersmith native maintained his low-key appearance by finishing off his look with baggy grey joggers and hiking boots. 

Proving to be every inch the gentleman, the Dark Knight Rises star engaged in a lively conversation with the schoolgoers during his shopping trip in the west London district. 

Tom’s outing came after betting had been suspended on him becoming the new James Bond following reports he has been named as Daniel’s replacement.

Speculation has reached fever pitch in recent days amid claims the screen star had been offered the iconic part after a successful audition.

All bets on who will be the next Bond are off, after the thespian’s odds were slashed from 6/1 to 1/1, amid the swirling rumours about the spy franchise’s new lead.

The Venom star has been one of the bookies favourites to take over the role since the market opened in September last year, when he was 9/1 to be cast as Bond.

When the bookmakers market closed, James Norton was the second favourite actor to bag the part at 9/4, followed by Idris Elba (11/2), Sam Heughan (6/1) and Richard Madden (7/1).  

Oddschecker spokesperson Callum Wilson: ‘For years we’ve heard speculation about who will replace Daniel Craig as James Bond, and finally it seems that English heart-throb Tom Hardy is the man for the role. ‘

‘The versatile Hardy would certainly be a popular choice – and attracted 54% of all bets in the 24 hours before the market was suspended.’ 

The Taboo star has made no secret about wanting to be the next 007 – but has previously refused to talk about the part in fear it will get him blacklisted. 

Speaking to the Daily Beast, the heart-throb admitted: ‘If I mention it, it’s gone.

‘You know, there’s a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my peer group, that if you talk about it you’re automatically out of the race.

‘So I can’t possibly comment on that one!’