Luther series 4: BBC release first look at Idris Elba in upcoming two-part special

Luther's back

(BBC)

The critically applauded, Idris Elba staring crime drama Luther is returning for a fourth series, and the BBC have given us our first glimpse of what is to come.

In the picture, released by BBC America’s Twitter account, DCI John Luther (Elba) is holding a suited man, his head covered by his jacket.

Fans have already begun to speculate over who is being grabbed by the detective, but little is known about the plot of the upcoming series. A small synopsis has been released.

(BBC)

It reads: "Luther's back. Pitted against his most chilling adversary yet, haunted by the ghosts of his past and hell-bent on retribution, he's drawn into a terrifyingly complex case that pushes him closer to the edge than he's ever been.”

The special series, which began filming in March, will consist of two hour-long episodes that will also feature regulars Dermot Crowley as DSU Martin Schenk and Michael Smiley as Benny Silver alongside Elba.

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

Executive Producer Elizabeth Kilgarriff said the two-part drama would be “the biggest, scariest story” written by Cross so far, and that the writer was “pulling out all the stops”.

Elba has been strongly linked to playing James Bond, taking over from Daniel Craig, yet the actor, 43, has denied any truth behind the report, telling Radio Times in June: “It’s just a rumour. I have no idea.”

Other actors to be tipped to take on the role include Tom Hardy and Henry Cavil.