United Kingdom, May 23 -- Idris Elba was "not in the race" to play James Bond.

The 53-year-old actor was tipped to replace Daniel Craig as 007 for years, but Idris has now insisted he was never a serious candidate for the role, after Amazon/MGM Studios recently announced that the search for the next James Bond is underway.

The Luther star told People: "My name's not getting thrown out, no way. They're going younger. And I wish them all the luck of the world. I can't wait - it's going to be amazing."

Idris insisted he was never among the contenders for the role, even though he was suggested as a possible Bond by many of his former co-stars.

He added: "I'm honestly not in the race ever. I wasn't in the race in the first place."

Meanwhi...