Damian Lewis’ Bond campaign

Damian Lewis has joked that he "sent selfies of [his] abs from the gym" to James Bond producers.

The ‘Billions’ actor has been tipped to take over the role of the suave super-spy when Daniel Craig departs the franchise and Damian claims he has been campaigning for the role.

He quipped: "I’ve sent them postcards from exotic locations. I’ve sent selfies of my abs from the gym. I’ve done everything I can to get the job, and nothing."

But despite the speculation he is one of the favorites to portray 007, the

45-year-old actor insists he hasn’t been approached for the role.

He told the Sunday Times magazine: "It’s all hypothetical. No one has called me up. No one has emailed."

And Damian – who faces competition from the likes of Tom Hiddleston and Idris Elba for the iconic role – suggested he isn’t even sure he wants to play Bond anyway.

When asked if he would like to take on the role, he told the Sunday Times magazine: "Well, there are many pitfalls. Many pitfalls. And if they say you should never meet your heroes, then should you play your heroes?

"My vanity dictates that I remain an actor’s actor, That’s always been important to me. That people within my profession think I’m a good actor."

Meanwhile, the former ‘Homeland’ star joked that make-up artists are horrified when he returns to American sets after time at home in London with his wife Helen McCrory and their two kids and often request "more time" in order to spruce him up.

He said: "This is why, in the end, you have to take a job. Because, especially in America, you sit down at the make-up chair, and there’s an intake of breath. And then, discreetly, they get on the walkie-talkie and go, ‘We’re going to need more time with Damian in hair and make-up.’ An hour later, you come out looking like Ken from Ken and Barbie."