Anthony Horowitz, author of James Bond continuation novel Trigger Mortis, apologised to Idris Elba after commenting that the actor "wasn't suave enough to play 007".

Earlier in an interview with the The Daily Mail, Horowitz had said that Elba, who was rumoured to be among the actors considered to replace Daniel Craig, would not be suitable for the role of Bond.

"It's not a color issue... Is it a question of being suave? Yeah," the 60-year-old novelist had said.

After Elba's fans expressed their anger on Twitter, Horowitz apologised to 42-year-old star on Twitter writing: "I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence. That wasn't my intention."

He further said he was thinking of Elba's gritty role in the BBC crime drama Luther and did not mean to cause offence. He also added that he believed another black actor, Adrian Lester, would be a better choice.

In response to it, Elba posted a screenshot of Horowitz's apology on Instagram with a note beneath it: "Always keep smiling! It takes no energy and never hurts! Learned that from the Street!"

The actor, who is best known for his roles in TV shows "Luther" and "The Wire", was praised by the media sites and fans for his "perfect" and "classy" reaction.