The actor played James Bond's nemesis Dr. Kananga/Mr. Big opposite Sir Roger Moore in 1973's Live and Let Die, and he has now waded into a debate sparked by his former co-star over rumours Idris Elba has been lined up to take over from Daniel Craig.

Moore insisted hiring a back actor for the role would be "an interesting idea, but unrealistic" and Kotto has now agreed with his former onscreen adversary.

He tells Britain's Big Issue magazine, "He (Bond) cannot be black. Political correctness be damned, (we) have to stay with what is literally correct. James Bond was established by IAN FLEMING as a white character, played by white actors. Play 003 or 006, but you cannot be 007. A lot of people say we should be allowed to play everything. Don't be ridiculous. If I say I want to play JFK (U.S. President John F. Kennedy), I should be laughed out of the room. Black men should stop trying to play roles created by whites. These roles are not written for black men. We have pens (to create) roles that no one else has established."

Bond was originally created by author Ian Fleming and most of the films in the hugely popular movie series are based on his books.