Idris Elba has confirmed he will not be the next James Bond after weeks of speculation.

Speaking on the red carpet at the premiere of his new film Yardie in London last night he squashed fans' hopes he might be taking over from Daniel Craig.

Good Morning Britain reporters asked the Luther star, 45, if he preferred shaken or stirred, in a nod to the spy character's favourite drink - a martini.

He replied: 'Stir fried actually.' But then asked 'Am I looking at the next 007?', the actor responded with a firm 'no'.

Director Idris Elba and fiancee Sabrina Dhowre pose for photographers on arrival at the premiere of the film 'Yardie' in London before confirming he will not be the next Bond

Good Morning Britain posed the all-important question to the actor (pictured) at his Yardie premiere in London last night

His confirmation puts an end to weeks of rumours that he could be the first black actor to take on the role.

It comes as director Danny Boyle quit as director of the next Bond film, citing 'creative differences'.

Last week, Elba posted a selfie on Twitter, captioning it: 'My name's Elba, Idris Elba,' echoing Bond's catchphrase.

Elba's confirmation he will not be taking over from Daniel Craig (pictured right) comes as director Danny Boyle (left) quit as director of the next Bond film, citing 'creative differences'

The actor acknowledged that 'apparently' he set off a bit of a firestorm 'by telling people my name.'

His fans have campaigned for years, desperate to see him be the first black actor to take on the role.

It came after writer Anthony Horowitz said he was 'too street' for the role in 2015.

Yardie tells the dark story of retribution as a young Jamaican seeks revenge after he encounters the murdered who killed his brother 10 years ago.

Yardie tells the dark story of retribution as a young Jamaican seeks revenge after he encounters the murdered who killed his brother 10 years ago. Pictured: Idris at the premiere

Director Idris Elba is pictured left with his partner Sabrina Dhowre and right with actor Stephen Graham as they pose for photographers at the premiere of his film Yardie in London