Bets paid out on Adele Bond theme

A leading bookmaker has paid out on bets that Adele will sing the new James Bond theme, before the news has been officially confirmed.

William Hill originally offered 4-1 that the chart-topping Rolling In The Deep star would get the prized role, and the figure narrowed to evens due to the volume of bets.

There have been a number of reports the record-breaking 24-year-old was to get the role, although there has still been no official announcement about any involvement.

One report claimed her track would have the same name as the 23rd Bond movie, Skyfall.

The film, again starring Daniel Craig as Bond, is to be given its premiere next month.

William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly said: "The way our punters were backing her, it seems as though Adele was going to be the only option to sing the Skyfall theme. We are now unfortunately shaken, not stirred by this particular Bond battering."

A spokesman for Adele declined to comment.

If she does prove to be the next artist, she follows Jack White and Alicia Keys, who provided the theme to A Quantum Of Solace, while Chris Cornell voiced Craig's first 007 performance, Casino Royale.

Other notable bond singers include Lulu, Sir Tom Jones and Dame Shirley Bassey, as well as A-Ha and Duran Duran.