Idris Elba makes a welcome return to BBC One to reprise his role of Luther, the highly acclaimed drama which got the nation talking – the deeply thrilling crime series was beautifully shot and full of exhilarating stories, distinctive characters and intense, psychological drama.

Idris Elba stars as DCI John Luther, the super-intuitive detective struggling to cope with his own demons, in two new distinctive, thrilling crime stories.

Devastated by the brutal murder of his wife, John Luther returns to policing in a different world. His old unit has gone and he's working in the newly created Serious and Serial Unit, headed by former police complaints officer Martin Schenk (Dermot Crowley – Babel, Bleak House).

Luther quickly gathers together his team, rescuing his old partner Detective Justin Ripley (Warren Brown – Occupation, Shameless) from uniform.

It's not long before they're dealing with their first case. A masked man wanders the streets of London, carrying out ritualistic murders in historic locations, working his way up to one final masterpiece...

Crackling with energy the two new specials see Luther take bigger risks and face even darker challenges.

Idris Elba won a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Luther and was also honoured at the 42nd NAACP Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special.

The second series sees the return of Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan and Paul McGann as Mark North; they are joined by Kierston Wareing as new character Caroline Jones.

Luther was commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning. The BBC Executive Producer is Phillippa Giles (Emma, Jane Eyre). Luther is written by Neil Cross (Spooks, The Fixer), directed by Sam Miller (Spooks, Single Father) and produced by Katie Swinden (Spooks).

Luther is also being simulcast on BBC One HD on Freesat channel 108, Freeview channel 50, Sky channel 143 and Virgin Media channel 108.

GJ