Screen star Colin Salmon has said that he is fed up with references to his skin colour after he was tipped as the next James Bond.

The Musketeers actor has been linked alongside Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom star Idris Elba as the future 007, taking over from Daniel Craig in the coveted spy role.

Colin, 52, told Radio Times magazine: “Pierce Brosnan has put my name out there a few times.

Colin Salmon
Colin competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2012 (Yui Mok/PA)

“I believe I can do it but one of the reasons I don’t really get into the debate is people keep talking about a black James Bond, how a black man should play him.”

The actor, who has starred as MI6 deputy chief of staff Charles Robinson in three Bond films, Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Die Another Day (2002), added: “I’ve been in this country since birth and if you’re only considering the colour of my skin I get bored.”

Daniel is currently filming Spectre, his fourth film as the special agent.

Daniel Craig
Rory Kinnear and Daniel Craig film scenes for the new Bond film Spectre (Ian West/PA)

Former 007 star Pierce has previously said: “He (Elba) would make a good Bond. Colin Salmon also. May the best man get the job and may Daniel (Craig) bring home the bacon for as long as he wants.”

Another ex-Bond actor Sir Roger Moore recently hit back at allegations he implied something racist when asked about Elba succeeding Craig in the role.

The veteran actor was quoted as saying the next 007 should be “English-English”.