Idris Elba was all smiles yesterday (March 2nd), as he began filming scenes for two special episodes of his hit BBC detective series ‘Luther', which are set to air later this year. The 42 year old happily announced his return as the famous character on Monday, telling his 1.35 million Twitter followers ‘First day back to set of John Luther....stand by East London.’

Idris Elba on the set of 'Luther' Idris Elba on the set of 'Luther'

The actor was photographed on set in the capital filming scenes outside a terraced house, where he appeared to be scuffling with a man dressed in a suit, as well as another more casually dressed character.

Elba was last seen on screen as the maverick detective in June 2013 when ‘Luther’ ended its third series. While many fans feared they’d seen the last of Elba as Luther, late last year it was announced the BBC series would return for two special episodes in 2015.

More: See all our pics of Idris Elba on the set of 'Luther' in East London

“Ever since we said goodbye to John Luther on Southwark Bridge, there's hardly been a minute when I didn't wonder what happened next,” writer Neil Cross said in a statement last November.

Idris Elba on the set of 'Luther'Elba tackles a cast memeber on the 'Luther' set.

“So I decided to find out. We're putting the band back together; Luther is coming back where he belongs. Back to the BBC. Back to London. And back to work,” the writer added.

It was also announced last year that Cross would be writing an American version of the series for the Fox network in the US. In January the network ordered a ‘cast-contingent’ pilot episode of the series, with Elba signing on as an executive producer, but not returning in the title role.

More: Fox Orders Pilot For US Remake Of 'Luther'

However Elba certainly has plenty to keep busy with once filming wraps on the ‘Luther’ special. Last year he was announced as the voice of Shere Khan in Jon Favreau’s upcoming Jungle Book movie. The British actor will also be seen in the next Avengers movie, Age of Ultron as superhero Heimdall, reprising his Thor character.

Idris Elba on the set of 'Luther'Filming for 'Luther' is underway in East London