The writer, who has written a new James Bond book, made his comments about Elba - best known for his roles in TV dramas Luther and The Wire - to the Mail on Sunday after he was asked if he thought the actor would make a suitable future 007.

He said, "Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better...

"For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It's not a colour issue. I think he is probably a bit too street for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."

Following his comments, Horowitz was criticised for being "classless" and "racist," but the writer insists he chose his words clumsily.

In a statement on Twitter.com, he writes, "I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence. That wasn't my intention. I was asked in my interview if Idris Elba would make a good James Bond... Clumsily, I chose the word street as Elba's gritty portrayal of DCI John Luther was in my mind but I admit it was a poor choice of word. I am mortified to have caused offence."

Elba, who is a fan favourite to take over from Daniel Craig and become the first black Bond, has yet to respond to Horowitz's comments.