James Bond star Pierce Brosnan wants Colin Salmon as 007

Former 007 Pierce Brosnan would like to see Luton actor and fellow Bond star Colin Salmon follow in his footsteps as Ian Fleming’s iconic secret agent, and the former Strictly contestant has told Radio Times that he wouldn’t refuse, as long as his casting was based solely on his acting skills.

Speaking in this week’s tv listings magazine, he says “I believe I can do it, but one of the reasons I don’t really get into the debate is people keep talking about a black James Bond: how a black man should play him. I’ve been in this country since birth and if you’re only considering the colour of my skin I get bored.”

Arrow star Salmon returns to television screens tonight in Paul Abbot’s Channel 4 comedy drama “No Offence”. He will be plays detective superintendent Darren Maclaren, and says he based his portrayal “on a few characters I’ve met over the years, not all policemen! The one policeman I used as a touchstone helped me on Prime Suspect.”

Speaking about the new series from the Shameless writer, he says “Paul Abbott is a master at balancing darkness with a genuine sense of humour and honesty,” he says. “This makes his work feel very real. The situations the police face on a daily basis are extraordinary and some of the research for the series is not a million miles from the end result. Look away if you dare.”

No Offence begins tonight on Channel 4 at 9pm and you can read the full interview with Colin Salmon in this week’s Radio Times.