Idris Elba has said he feels the UK is “moving in the right direction” when it comes to diversity in TV roles, but there’s still more to be done. The 43-year-old first found success on UK television, but his big break came when he was cast in US drama ‘The Wire’, as drug lord Russell "Stringer" Bell.

Idris ElbaIdris Elba has said the UK “moving in the right direction” when it comes to diversity on television.

“People are aware of the issues that are faced. It’s one of these problems that won’t get fixed overnight but I think it’s progressively getting better,” Elba said. “The BBC and 'Luther' are very supportive of diversity, especially behind and in front of the camera. It’s important to keep trying.”

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Elba will return to UK screens as Detective John Luther in the BBC One drama ‘Luther’, later this month, for a two episode special. Speaking about his return to the show, Elba said: “We’ve evolved, the whole show seems to have grown a bit. There’s some progression in Luther’s life.”

“That version of Luther had to go and stop, and now this version of Luther, who is slightly older and a little bit more smarter and wiser, this begins the birth of the next chapter.” The actor also revealed that he would still like to bring the character to the big screen.

“In our heads, this was the film – it’s two hours and it’s a pilot for the film,” he said. “We would love to get a film off the ground but it takes time, and it’s really about when Neil and I are ready to pull that off.”

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When asked why this instalment of ‘Luther’ would only be two episodes long, Elba added: “I tend to do ‘Luther’ when I’m most tired. I throw all my pent-up emotions and stuff into the character. It would be tough to sustain that kind of angst without something giving. There is no reason why we could not do another six-parter – but it would be the end of me.”