Sir Roger Moore has hit back at allegations he made a racist comment when asked about Idris Elba being a future James Bond.

The 87-year-old actor, who played the British secret agent 007 in seven films between 1973 and 1985, reportedly made the comments to French magazine Paris Match in an interview, titled Idris Elba: The Next Bond.

Idris Elba
Idris Elba has been linked to the role of James Bond (Jordan Strauss/Invision)

According to Screen Daily, Sir Roger was quoted as saying: “Several years ago I said Cuba Gooding Jr would make an excellent Bond, but that was a joke.

“Even though James has been played by a Scotsman, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he has to remain English-English. It’s an interesting idea, but unrealistic.”

But the star revealed his comments were taken out on context.

Luther star Idris has been linked to the role of the spy, currently portrayed by Daniel Craig.

But he previously laughed off the rumours with a Twitter selfie.