Former James Bond star George Lazenby has backed Idris Elba to be the next actor to play 007.

The Australian, who starred in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, said there would be “a lot of people scratching their head” if a black actor was cast as Ian Fleming’s super spy, but he believed hiring Idris would be a “good idea”.

There has been much speculation about who will replace current Bond star Daniel Craig after he said he would rather “slash my wrists” than play the fictional spy again, with Tom Hiddleston and Damian Lewis also linked with the role.

George Lazenby at the Brit Week Gala in Los Angeles
George Lazenby at the Brit Week Gala in Los Angeles (Nina Prommer/AP)

When asked whether a black actor could play Bond, George, 76, told the Press Association: “That’s beyond me. I mean, why not? That’s what I say.

“But then on the other hand, you’re going to have a lot of people scratching their head going ‘James Bond wasn’t black’.

“It’s who they are, not what colour they are. It’s ‘are they a good guy or not?’ That’s what I’m looking for.”

George Lazenby at a press reception in London in 1968
George Lazenby at a press reception in London in 1968 (PA Archive)

Asked whether Idris would make a good James Bond, George replied: “Why not? It would be a good idea.”

George, who was speaking at the 10th anniversary Britweek gala in Los Angeles, also admitted he did not have much time for Hollywood.

George Lazenby at the British Consul General's Residence in Los Angeles
George Lazenby at the British Consul General’s Residence in Los Angeles (Ian West/PA)

“I’m not a Hollywood person,” he said. “I hardly ever go there. I purposely don’t have an agent so I don’t work very much.

“People find me and they convince me this is what I’ve got to do next. I end up doing two or three films this year.

“I don’t want to go out on calls. I’d rather spend time with my kids, play golf.