Roger Moore has attempted to clarify the comments he made about the possibility of Idris Elba becoming the next James Bond, after he was accused of racism. In the interview conducted with Paris Match magazine, Moore reportedly said that Elba could not play Bond because he was not "English-English" enough.

Sir Roger made the comments to Paris Match magazine

“A few years ago, I said that [Cuba Gooding Jnr would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!” Moore stated in the interview. "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.”

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Moore’s comments have promoted a wave of criticism towards the veteran actor online, with many branding the 87 year old racist for his statement. For many writing on Twitter, the main question to Moore has been, how is Elba, who was born in the East End of London, not ‘English-English’?

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 (@sirrogermoore) March 28, 2015

But Moore has attempted to clarify his comments, writing on his official Twitter account, ‘An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba. That is simply untrue. #Lost in translation.’

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Elba has been hotly tipped to take over the role of Bond once the current 007, Daniel Craig, bows out of the franchise. The actor, who is best known as BBC detective Luther, also saw his name appear in a leaked Sony email last year in which Amy Pascal, Sony Pictures then co-chairwoman wrote: 'Idris should be the new Bond’.