Idris Elba is 'too street' to play Bond, says 007 author

Idris Elba is "too rough" to be the next James Bond, according to the author of the new 007 novel.

He's one of the favourites to take over as the world's most famous spy.

But talking to the Daily Mail, Anthony Horowitz says he isn't the right man for the part but has since apologised for a "poor choice of words".

The search for a new Bond star is hotting up following Daniel Craig's recent hint that the latest film Spectre could be his last.

Earlier this year, Idris Elba admitted he'd love to play the spy but said "if there was ever any chance of me getting Bond, it's gone".

As well as writing the new 007 novel Trigger Mortis, Anthony Horowitz is the man who wrote the Alex Rider novels - so he knows his spy stuff.

And initially it seemed Idris did not get his vote.

"I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond," he said. "Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."

His comments did not go down well on Twitter.

Aled Philips says, "Idris is an actor...Tom Hanks isn't a toy cowboy."

And as for the suggestion that Elba's not suave?

Meg retorts simply with, "Have you seen that man in a suit?"

And just in case you haven't seen him in a suit...

Suave or not suave?

For some, it's nothing to do with his style but the colour of his skin.

This tweet from QueenLuigi claims it's because Elba is black

But Anthony Horowitz insists that is totally untrue and claims it's not "a colour issue".

He says: "Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better."

He suggests Hustle star Adrian Lester.

Spectre could be the last Bond film to star Daniel Craig

While the author thinks Daniel Craig is a "terrific Bond", he doesn't hold back on the things he hates about the films.

He says Quantum of Solace "just went wrong" and that Skyfall is "the one Bond film I have never liked".

Sony Pictures won't comment on who'll be the next 007 but Idris knows who he is blaming for putting his name out there.

Back in April, he told an audience at the British Film Institute in London that "Daniel Craig actually set the rumour off".

"About four years ago he said Idris Elba would be a great Bond and it started to creep. I blame Daniel."

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