Luther season 4: First trailer sees the detective on the hunt for a cannibalistic killer

Idris Elba's back in the game for a two-part special.

Idris Elba, pictured here as John Luther in the BBC crime drama, is a perfect fit for 007 (BBC)

BBC One has released a first look at the series, consisting of two hour-long episodes which will premiere 9pm on Tuesday 15 December. BBC America will be airing both parts 17 December.

The London-set drama stars Idris Elba as DCI John Luther, a man who's dedication to the job leaves him consumed by the darkness and violence he's witness to. The new episodes will see a self-exiled Luther, hiding out in the countryside, drawn back to the city when faced with devastating news; he's soon embroiled in the investigation of a cannibalistic serial killer.

Joining Elba are Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones) as DS Emma Lane, Darren Boyd (Veep) as Theo Bloom, Laura Haddock (Guardians of the Galaxy) as a mysterious woman from Luther's past, and Patrick Malahide (Game of Thrones) as a local gangster. Michael Smiley will return as technician Benny 'Deadhead' Silver.