Idris Elba denies playing James Bond

Idris Elba has denied that he will be playing the next James Bond after Daniel Craig hands in his licence to kill.

The actor, who has for years been pegged to play Agent 007, shut down rumours of stepping into the franchise.

When Good Morning Britain reporter offered Elba a martini, "Do you like it shaken or stirred?", he replied, "Stir fried, actually".

Next, when she asked if he was "looking at the next 007", Elba gave a one-word answer: "No".

The actor was speaking at the premiere of his directorial debut, "Yardie". He was accompanied by fiancee Sabrina Dhowre.

The upcoming Bond film, 25th in the long-running franchise, would be Craig's last outing as the British spy.

The film was supposed to be helmed by Danny Boyle but the "Slumdog Millionaire" director has walked out of the project due to creative differences with the producers.