James Bond alum Sir Roger Moore has dismissed suggestions the next 007 could be a gay man or a woman, saying the franchise must stay true to Ian Fleming’s books.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the 88-year-old actor emphasised the importance of upholding the British author’s original version of the MI5 spy.

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“I have heard people talk about how there should be a lady Bond or a gay Bond,” Moore said.

“But they wouldn’t be Bond for the simple reason that wasn’t what Ian Fleming wrote.

“It is not about being homophobic or, for that matter, racist – it is simply about being true to the character.”

This is not the first time the actor has expressed his opinions on casting.

He came under fire earlier this year when he was quoted saying black actor Idris Elba was not “English-English” to play the role.

Moore, who starred in seven Bond films between 1973 and 1985, has a very different option to the current Bond, Daniel Craig.

When asked if his successor could be black, gay or a woman, Craig replied: “Anything’s possible. You can do anything as long as it’s credible and it works.”

Craig has indicated he would like to retire from the role after this year’s Spectre hits cinemas, calling the character a “misogynist”.