Idris Elba says Luther series 5 will be 'classic' return to form

The grizzled detective will return to the BBC in four brand new episodes

Idris Elba has teased the return of BBC crime series Luther promising a “classic” return to form.

It was announced in June 2017 that series co-creator Neil Cross had signed the British star up to return as the grizzled detective for four brand new episodes which are expected to drop early 2019. The character was last seen on screen in 2015.

“We're not reinventing the wheel,” Elba assured fans, adding: “It's classic Luther.”

While remaining tight-lipped about specific plot lines, Elba shared a few cryptic tidbits relating to the new episodes, telling Radio Times: “I mean there is a lot of excitement about the characters that are in this one."

When pushed on whether he means Ruth Wilson's character Alice Morgan - a murderer turned ally of Luther's - Elba said: “We’ll have to wait and see. There’s no point trying to make something unfamiliar.”

His efforts to keep her return a secret were futile considering Wilson herself confirmed her return to The Independent earlier this year.

“She is in it,” she told us, adding: “It's not what you expect. She's definitely back for a bit. [Alice is] back with a vengeance.”

The series, which began in 2010, has generated a cult fanbase. Coaxed on why he decided to return, Elba stated: “Luther has never been scheduled to do it every year. We do it whenever we want, and that’s why this feels like a good time to come back; it’s just because we’ve been away for a while. There is unfinished business.“

Cross has made no secret of the fact that he'd like to bring the character to the big screen following the show's success overseas. Discussing these plans, Elba added: “It’s very much in our minds, the film. I think it could be an amazing series of films.”

Luther is expected to return to the BBC early 2019.