VIDEO: Idris Elba in Mumford and Sons video

Idris Elba established himself in the US first, playing the role of Stringer Bell in 'The Wire' (BBC)

Nelson Mandela is a cinch, James Bond just rumours for now - but the latest role for former Wire star Idris Elba is a more esoteric one, as frontman in Mumford and Sons' music video, "Lover of the Light".

Elba was convinced to take on the part, as well as co-direct the video, after an "ale infused" conversation with the band in a London pub.

"We are, quite obviously, huge fans of Idris Elba's acting work, as pretty much anyone can agree he's the most badass British actor since Richard Briars. So we trusted him as the director for our latest video," a spokesperson for Mumford & Sons said.