Channing Tatum would love to be the next James Bond - but says the secret agent ''shouldn't be an American''.

The 35-year-old actor - who plays an undercover cop in the 'Jump Street' franchise - has expressed an interest in the role, currently occupied by Daniel Craig, but insisted he would ultimately turn down the part of 007 because he doesn't think an American could play a believable Bond.

Channing said: ''It would be a very hard turn down. But i don't know. There is a very strong strong voice inside that tells me James Bond probably should always be a true United Kingdomer. (sic)''

While Channing thinks a change for 007 would be good, he is adamant the character's nationality should stay the same.

In a Q&A with fans on Reddit.com, he said: ''I'm all down for changing things completely but the true nature of 007 is i feel just very innately english, it shouldn't be an american putting on an English accent. (sic)''

In recent months, Idris Elba has been heavily linked with the Bond role, but he recently said that any hope he had of securing the part has ''gone''.

He explained: ''Honestly, it's a rumor that's really starting to eat itself.

''If there was ever any chance of me getting Bond, it's gone.''