Sam Heughan is the fan favourite to play the next Batman, according to a recent poll.

The Outlander star received 90,053 votes in the survey by entertainment site JustJared, receiving over 42% of votes cast.

It was announced last month that director Matt Reeves would take over as director for the next Batman film, which is due to be released in 2021.

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The change means that Ben Affleck will not be returning as the Caped Crusader, leaving the role vacant. 

The poll saw the 38-year-old win out over Supernatural star Jensen Ackles, who received just over 60,000 votes.

Other popular contenders included singer Diego Boneta and Twilight's Taylor Lautner.

Scottish heartthrob Richard Madden failed to make the list, even though he was tipped as the new James Bond by one of his producers on hit TV show The Bodyguard.

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Fans shared their delight at Heughan's resounding win on Twitter after the actor retweeted the news.

Vicky Gilmour said: "Nobody else comes near - no contest!"

Barb Sherfinski has confidence that the star would make a perfect Batman: "Playing Batman is in the eyes! Sam Heughan has got this hands down! Great choice!!"

And Anne Mueller had something to say after another user branded Heughan 'not that cute'.

She said: "You don't know what you're talking about. He's super cute, the cutest. Plus he's very likeable. And talented, gorgeous, smart, kind, generous. #LoveForSam #SamHeughanForBatman #Batsam."