Bond theme 'odds-on' chart topper

Adele is hot favourite to become the first singer to get to number one with a Bond theme, according to bookmakers William Hill.

The singer has teamed up with Paul Epworth, who co-wrote and produced her massive hit Rolling In The Deep, to write Skyfall for the new film of the same name and she is 1/2 on to top the charts.

Rupert Adams, from William Hill, said: "We believe Adele is odds-on to be the first ever artist to take a Bond theme to number one, which is remarkable if you look down the list of previous artists."

Stars who have missed out on the top spot with a Bond theme include Paul McCartney, Tom Jones and Madonna, while Duran Duran got to number two in 1985 with A View To A Kill.

HMV's Gennaro Castaldo said: "When you bring two British icons together in the shape of Bond and Adele, it's bound to generate a huge amount of interest.

"Throw in a brilliant-sounding track that is classic John Barry and with a touch of Shirley Bassey, and you have all the makings of the first-ever Bond single to top the official UK charts."

James Bond fans have welcomed the "classic" theme after a short clip was leaked online. Fans were given a taste of the track when a 90-second clip appeared on the Soundcloud website on Tuesday but it was removed within hours.

The track, recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London with a 77-piece orchestra, was not due to be given its premiere until 0.07am on Friday on Adele's website.

The film, again starring Daniel Craig as Bond, is to be given its premiere on October 26.