Hobbit star Aidan Turner in talks for James Bond

Poldark hunk Aidan Turner could be the next James Bond.

Poldark's Aidan Turner has reportedly had talks with producers about becoming the new James Bond.

The 32-year-old actor became a TV heartthrob following his shirtless portrayal of Ross Poldark in the BBC TV series last year and also starred as Kili the Dwarf, in Peter Jackson's Hobbit franchise, has emerged as one of the favourites to become 007 when Daniel Craig decides to hang up his tuxedo and now he has flown to Los Angeles for a meeting about him.

Aidan Turner as Kili Dwarf in The Hobbit.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Aidan has held preliminary talks with Bond producers and being in LA will give him a further chance to discuss the role."

Aidan's Poldark producer Karen Thrussell also set tongues wagging about his future as the new spy when she picked up his Breakthrough Award on his behalf at the Broadcasting Press Guild awards in London last week.

She teased his absence for the ceremony: "I am sure it is nothing to do with James Bond, but we will see..."

However, Aidan will need to beat off stiff competition from the likes of Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and Tom Hardy, who are also being lined up for the role.

Meanwhile, Craig - who portrayed the suave spy for the fourth time in last year's Spectre - sparked rumours he was leaving the franchise after nearly a decade playing the iconic MI6 agent when he said he wanted to focus on other projects.

He is believed to be committed at least one more 007 film.

- Bang! Showbiz