Roger Moore has denied making racist comments about Idris Elba.

The former James Bond star gave an interview to French magazine Paris Match. It says he was asked about Idris Elba succeeding Daniel Craig.

Roger Moore was quoted as saying the next 007 should be “English-English”.

Those comments initially drew criticism from some online but he’s insisted the quotes were “lost in translation”.

In the magazine, the quote appears under the title Idris Elba: le prochain Bond?, translated as Idris Elba: the next Bond.

The quote that appears below, when translated into English, reads: “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.”

However, Roger Moore insists that he wasn’t talking about Idris Elba, only the nationality of James Bond.

Elaborating further, the veteran actor said in a tweet: “When a journalist asks if <<Bond should be English>> and you agree, then quotes you saying it about Idris Elba, it’s out of context.”

In December 2014, following the hack at Sony Pictures, emails suggested that former co-chairman Amy Pascal wanted Idris Elba to be the next Bond.

At the time, Idris Elba responded with a selfie and a tweet: “Isn’t 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I’ve got a shot…”