Idris Elba says that becoming the next James Bond would be “an absolute honour”.
The 40-year-old actor, from Hackney, has been tipped to become the first black 007 after Skyfall star Naomie Harris claimed he had held talks with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli.
Elba refused to deny such talks had taken place, instead saying with a wry smile: “It’s all rumour.”
He was speaking at the Harper’s Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards last night at Claridge’s in Mayfair, where he presented Luther co-star Ruth Wilson with the breakthrough of the year honour.
He said: “Who wouldn’t want to do that role? It would be an absolute honour. But Daniel Craig is doing an amazing job and I don’t think he is going to be moving on any time soon.”
Elba’s latest role is Nelson Mandela in the film adaptation of Long Walk To Freedom. He said: “It’s a massive, epic piece and I’m really proud of it.”
The awards also honoured Olympians Jessica Ennis, Victoria Pendleton and Ellie Simmonds as British ambassadors of the year. Emily Blunt was named best British actor.
Guests included Rosamund Pike, Gillian Anderson and L’Wren Scott.
The event, hosted by David Walliams, also honoured Stella McCartney as British designer of the year.
