ENTERTAINMENT

            

SEBASTIAN SHAKESPEARE: Idris Elba can't be Bond because he isn't 'English English' says Roger Moore...

                                                                                                                    

Might Sir Roger Moore be even more politically incorrect than his old alter ego James Bond?

Interviewed in the new Paris Match magazine he is asked about the widely mooted idea of black British actor Idris Elba becoming the next 007.

'A few years ago, I said that [black actor] Cuba Gooding Jnr would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!' replies Sir Roger, 87, who starred in seven Bond movies between 1973 and 1985.

'Although James may have been played by a Scot, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he should be "English-English",' he continues. 

'Nevertheless, it's an interesting idea, but unrealistic.'

Bond? Might Sir Roger Moore be even more politically incorrect than his old alter ego James Bond by saying Idris Elba (pictured) can not play the role because he isn't 'English English'

Controversy: A few years ago, I said that Cuba Gooding Jnr would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!' replies Sir Roger Moore (pictured)

The Scot who played Bond was Sean Connery, the Welshman was Timothy Dalton and the Irishman was Pierce Brosnan. 

But just what is it that prevents Elba from being 'English-English', Roger? He was born in Hackney, raised in East Ham, schooled in Canning Town, started work in Dagenham and he supports Arsenal.

How much more of an Englishman could he be? Even the fictional hero of Ian Fleming's novels was of mixed parentage.