Idris Elba reprises Luther role for two-part special

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He may be tipped to become the next James Bond but Idris Elba has returned to playing the BBC’s DCI John Luther.

The actor, 42, has begun filming a new two-part special of the hit detective series Luther, which is among a slew of British hits about to be remade in America.

Returning from the silver screen to the small screen the Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom star is back as the obsessive murder detective whose own morals are sometimes questionable for the fourth instalment of Luther.

The new series will consist of just two hour-long episodes also featuring regular co-stars Dermot Crowley as DSU Martin Schenk and Michael Smiley as Benny Silver.

Game of Thrones alumni Rose Leslie and Patrick Malahide are among a stellar cast which also includes Laura Haddock (Guardians of the Galaxy) and John Heffernan (Ripper Street).

Announcing the surprise return of Luther late last year writer Neil Cross said: "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.

"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."

Earlier this week Elba revealed filming had commence on Twitter, writing:

Elba, who became a big star following The Wire, has been repeatedly named as a successor to Daniel Craig in the Bond franchise.

In late 2014 a hacked Sony email revealed the company thought the actor “should be the next Bond”.

Elba has previously said he would definitely accept the role if it was offered to him.

Daniel Craig, who is currently filming the forthcoming Bond film Spectre, is signed to do one more movie after its release. He has previously said he would like to leave the franchise afterwards.