Veteran actor Roger Moore has blamed a French magazine for embroiling him in a racism row after it reported his comments that Idris Elba cannot play James Bond because he was not 'English-English' enough. Sir Roger made the comments in an interview with French magazine Paris Match, although the former Bond star claimed his words had been 'lost in translation'. The actor, who left Britain in 1978 and splits his time between Switzerland and Monaco said: 'An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba. That is simply untrue.' Scroll down for video . Roger Moore, pictured, claimed that he was misquoted when it was reported Idris Elba could not play 007 . Sir Roger Moore took to Twitter this morning to clarify the comments he had made to Paris Match magazine . Idris Elba, pictured, is the bookies favourite to play James Bond once Daniel Craig finishes with the role . Following the revelations, Sir Roger has faced strong criticism on Twitter over the suggestions. Sir Roger made the 'English-English' comments, even though former Bonds Sean Connery, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan were Scottish, Welsh and Irish. The 87-year-old actor, who is an ambassador for Unicef, starred in seven Bond movies between 1973 and 1985. Sir Roger told Paris Match: '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.' Reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly negative with Twitter users accusing Sir Roger of 'racism'. Many commentators highlighted the fact that Elba was born and raised in the East End of London. Twitter users expressed their anger and disbelief over Sir Roger's comments on Idris Elba . One person thought the ro . One user said Roger Moore 'is a bit racist' over his controversial comments, . Elba is seen as the leading contender to play Bond once Daniel Craig holsters his Walther PPK for the last time. Bookmaker Paddy Power has Elba as the 7/4 favourite to be granted his Licence to Kill. Leaked Sony emails suggested that Elba was being considered for the role, while current Bond Daniel Craig as also said the Hackney-born actor is the only possible choice to replace him. Sean Connery, pictured, who was replaced as Bond by Roger Moore, played 007 with a Scottish accent . Timothy Dalton, left, who played James Bond during the 1980s after Moore was born in Wales . While Pierce Brosnan, right, pictured with Desmond Llewelyn, left, was born in the Irish Republic .
Twitter condemns Roger Moore over his 'racist' comments on Idris Elba . Elba is the strong favourite to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond . Daniel Craig has said that Elba is the only actor available to play 007 . Sir Roger took to Twitter to deny that he had said 'something racist'