Sir Roger Moore defends racist comments

The 87-year-old actor made the comments when asked about rumours that Elba could be the next 007 in an interview with Paris Match magazine. Photo / Getty Images

Sir Roger Moore has been forced to defend himself against allegations of racism after suggesting that Idris Elba could never play James Bond because he was not "English-English" enough.

The 87-year-old actor made the comments when asked about rumours that Elba could be the next 007 in an interview with Paris Match magazine.

He said: "A few years ago, I said that Cuba Gooding Jnr would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!

"Although James may have been played by a Scot, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he should be 'English-English'. Nevertheless, it's an interesting idea, but unrealistic."

Sir Roger, who starred in seven Bond movies between 1973 and 1985, has claimed on Twitter that the comments were lost in translation.

An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba. That is simply untrue. #Lost in translation.

— Sir Roger Moore (Legacy) (@sirrogermoore) March 28, 2015

The actor was subjected to a barage of criticism about the comments.

Many used social media sites to point out that Elba was born and raised in the East End of London and many branded Sir Roger racist.

British Actor Idris Elba. Photo / Getty Images

Leaked Sony emails have suggested that Elba is being considered to succeed Daniel Craig in the Bond role and he is said to have had talks with producers.

Former 007 Pierce Brosnan has said he believed Elba would make a good Bond.

The actor, who starred as Stringer Bell in The Wire, would be the first black 007. He has admitted he would love the role.