Sir Roger Moore thinks Aidan Turner would be "very good" as James Bond.

Aidan Turner

Aidan Turner

The 89-year-old actor has played the role of the suave spy on film seven times, and has now tipped the 'Poldark' actor as the next hunk to don the sharp suit and take on the iconic 007 role.

Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday newspaper, the 'Live and Let Die' actor said: "I think Aidan would make a very good Bond."

And Roger wouldn't be the only acting veteran to give Aidan the seal of approval, as Robin Ellis - who played the role of Ross Poldark in the original 1970s version of the BBC series - previously branded him as "quite capable" of playing James Bond.

He said: "I like Aidan. I think he's doing a wonderful job as Ross. He looks great and has a brooding presence. He's registered enormously with the public, and that's terrific.

"I think he'd be an excellent Bond. Aidan is a good actor, and the first 007, Sean Connery, was a very good actor. Aidan is quite capable of doing that part. Good luck to him if he gets it. I'll be very pleased for him."

The stars' backing comes after it was announced earlier this year that 'The Hobbit' actor had made it onto a shortlist of names that MGM bosses were looking at to cast as the fictional spy if Daniel Craig continues with his threat to quit the franchise.

Other names that made the cut include 'Luther' star Idris Elba, 'Fast and Furious' actor Luke Evans, and 'Thor's Tom Hiddleston.

Speaking at the time, a source said: "To get anyone to take over from Daniel will be a tough job. MGM are confident that they are in a pretty strong place with a raft of talent available."