Inside the head of...Idris Elba 

\'I have sacrificed my personal life to be where I am as an actor. My relationships have suffered\': Inside the head of...Idris Elba 

He’s sacrificed his personal life to pursue his career, but the fleet-footed star who broke through with cult TV classic The Wire and triumphed as Mandela still considers himself ‘an odd, tall black man that doesn’t quite fit in’ 

What has been your biggest achievement? \'My career – because every job I ever got I had to fight for.  I’m an odd, tall, black man that doesn’t quite fit in,\' said Idris Elba

I lived in a two-bedroom flat in Cedar Court in Hackney, London. It was a high-rise – they’ve knocked most of them down now – and my mum would come in every morning and say, ‘Oh, it’s a bit stuffy in here’ – always, always. And I remember being woken up with the sound of the blinds getting pulled back and the window being opened and the sunlight flooding in.

Shy, eager to please, skinny. I remember walking into school on the very first day and one of the kids sang out, ‘Feed the world... let them know it’s Christmas-time!’ And everyone cracked up. My first day! Me and this kid ended up having a fight, although he is now my best friend – but that’s how skinny I was. Also, for one term I was sent to this school for kids with disabilities – my disability was asthma. I learned a lot there – how to deal with different people and develop different skills. It was there that my personality opened and grew.

When my son Winston was born. And watching the magic that is childbirth. Of course I was there. Did I feel like a spare part? Nah, but I don’t want to talk about it.

What is the worst thing anyone has ever said to you?

Who would your dream dinner date be? \'Mandela,\' said Idris who played him in 2013

I was told once that I could never be loved because I don’t love myself. That hurt my feelings.

My career – because every job I ever got I had to fight for. I’m an odd, tall, black man that doesn’t quite fit in. And here I am 25 years later in what I consider to be a very well-rounded career.

My personal life. I sacrificed it to be where I am as an actor. So my relationships have suffered.

I’m lazy. I procrastinate awfully. There’s always so many things I’m supposed to be doing – for example when I was shooting No Good Deed in Atlanta and preparing to play Nelson Mandela by reading his autobiography, Long Walk To Freedom. Straight after that I had an album to put out. So I am always saying; ‘I’ll do it, I’ll get to it…’

Mandela, that would be great – it would be nice to understand what made him laugh, what made him relax. I’d love to have dinner with him and just observe him be himself. I would also have the late rapper Biggie Smalls: he was really good at putting words together, so it would be great to understand how he sounds when he’s speaking. I would love to hear what he thinks about hip-hop at the moment.

See Idris Elba as Nelson Mandela in stunning biopic trailer

You know The Truman Show [The Jim Carrey film where he is unknowingly on camera 24/7 for a reality TV show]? I’m really scared I’m going to wake up one day and that’s what’s been going on with my life.

Nobody – not even Liam Gallagher. We had a moment of clowning, after the NME Awards, about my hat. But it was never anything more than that.

My vinyl. I’ve got this seven-inch I’ve had since when I was about 12 of D.I.S.C.O. by Ottawan. I remember that moment of having my own record and having my own DJ set in my room. That was monumental. So that piece of vinyl means a lot.

Your biggest disappointment? \'My personal life. I sacrificed it to be where I am as an actor. So my relationships have suffered,\' said Idris (pictured with Luther co-star Ruth Wilson)

I’m actually a decent breakdancer. I started when I was a kid and I still love breaking. I still, if I get a chance, run around and do a bit of ‘crazylegs’. I never injured myself, but I remember trying to do the windmill in my mum and dad’s house and breaking a lamp.

Idris Elba starred as Luther in the original British crime drama

I would definitely change the law on random gun-holding in America. Nobody should be allowed to have those big guns willy-nilly.

What is the most extravagant thing you’ve ever bought?

I bought a 1500 Dodge Ram, on my first pay cheque off The Wire. It was humungous – a beautiful thing to look at, a head-turner. When The Wire was in limbo, after we’d done the pilot – we didn’t know whether it was going to go to a series – I just went out and spent the money. It was a good three, four months before they said, ‘Yeah, we’re going to do 12 more.’ And that was like winning the lottery.

If you could edit your past what would you change?

Click here to purchase Luther Series 1 - 3 DVD collection

Luther: Series 1-3 by and Idris Elba (5051561036453) | Mail Book Shop

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

By posting your comment you agree to our house rules.

Birthday girl Christine Bleakley gets a cake and bouquet of flowers live on air... after she\'s left red-faced during sexual quip Turned 36

Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Martin \'go public at Harry Styles\' £200,000 21st birthday in LA alongside David Beckham, Cara Delevingne and Kendall Jenner\'

\'He has a full head of hair and his mummy\'s lips!\': Una Foden welcomes baby boy Tadhg John with husband Ben A brother for Aoife Belle

Are these the worst backing dancers ever? Katy Perry\'s \'supporting shark\' who lost track of choreography goes viral Two dancers had awkward moves

\'Come on babyyyyyyy\': Heavily pregnant Jacqueline Jossa posts make-up free selfie as she awaits the arrival of her first child Will be her first child

Cold play! Gwyneth Paltrow goes from bathing on the beach to skiing the slopes while her ex Chris Martin parties in LA It\'s a hard life

Celebrity Big Brother\'s Nadia Sawalha claims Perez Hilton DID NOT \'threaten to sexually assault\' Calum Best Defended blogger on Loose Women

\'It\'s like being diagnosed with AIDS\': Perez Hilton shocks housemates with offensive outburst on CBB as he accuses Katie Hopkins of trying to \'ostracise\' him

The curse of TOWIE: From hangover munchies to ditching carbs before Marbs, why stars of the hit reality TV show can\'t stop yo-yo dieting 

Who\'s laughing now? Whitney Thore, the 27-stone star of  the Fat Girl Dancing YouTube video says she\'s happier than ever after being given her own TV show

\'I don\'t want my family to see it\': Dakota Johnson says racy scenes in Fifty Shades of Grey are \'inappropriate\' for her parents

\'You\'re the complete serial killer\': Jamie Dornan stocks up on supplies with the help of Dakota Johnson in tense first full scene from Fifty Shades Of Grey

\'Those things shape who you are\': Kate Winslet insists her divorces have HELPED her children... because it taught them to \'struggle on some level\'

I heart Dubai: Pregnant Billi Mucklow cradles her baby bump as she hits the beach during her girls\' holiday Ex-TOWIE star is blooming nicely

Orlando Bloom enjoys a close embrace with mystery blonde as they take his son Flynn to adventure playground on the beach  New love post-Miranda

Glowing Shakira flashes a smile as she leaves hospital four days after giving birth to second son Sasha Had child with footballer partner Gerard Pique

No wonder she always looks immaculate! Kate Beckinsale arrives in London with a HUGE amount of luggage Travelling in style

Naomi Campbell flashes her underwear and endless legs in racy cut-out black minidress at pre-BAFTA bash  Stood out in a cut-out leather-look dress

Polka dot diss? Fans speculate Katy Perry\'s halftime show featured a VERY subtle dig at Taylor Swift as the singers continue feud Bad blood over dancers

Alex Gerrard displays her toned physique in black leggings and tight hoodie... as she takes her brand new car out for a spin Always gym-ready

That\'s brand loyalty! Justin Bieber struts around in Calvin Klein underwear as he goes for a swim with friends He\'s the new face of the brand

Happy birthday to me! Heather Graham celebrates turning 45 on bikini break with hot young mystery man Doesn\'t look anywhere near her age

Whether Bruce ends up as a man or woman, I know one thing - he\'ll always be a brave one  PIERS MORGAN doesn\'t give a damn what gender he wants to be

Made In Chelsea\'s Spencer Matthews can\'t keep his hands off bikini-clad girlfriend Lauren Hutton as they enjoy steamy smooch in Barbados

Ruffles, Japanese prints and flattering shift dresses: Victoria Beckham unveils chic spring/summer collection that\'ll silence her harshest critics

Sam Faiers is back on form (and both feet!) after THAT embarrassing tumble at recent product launch in London Put fall behind her

Katy Perry cuddles up to on-again boyfriend John Mayer in Twitter snap shared by Missy Elliott at Super Bowl after party  It\'s back on!

\'At least the sun is shining\': Alex Jones gets her hands dirty while renovating a run down health clinic in Uganda for Comic Relief Getring stuck in

\'I\'ve got brownie points at school!\': Nicole Kidman reveals to Ellen how her daughters\' friends are fascinated she plays the villain in Paddington

Steal my hair! Kelly Osbourne sends Twitter users into a frenzy as she sports the same hairstyle as One Direction\'s Zayn Malik Unusual style

Bondage beauty: Robert Pattinson\'s girlfriend FKA twigs oozes sex appeal in a S&M inspired strappy corset onstage Down Under

Better best forgotten: Slimline Claire Richards sports bizarre headscarf as she hops on the back of a motorbike taxi Looked freezing

Tonight\'s The Jump should be improvement on the launch as Heather Mills, Chloe Madeley and the other women get their skis, tea trays and claws out, by JIM SHELLEY

EXCLUSIVE: \'They called me slut, w***e and fake boobs...but I overcame my bullies\': Super Bowl star Charlotte McKinney on high school bullies

It must be catching on! Ricky Gervais posts a funny bath tub video after Gwyneth Paltrow waxes lyrical about steam cleaning her private parts

obbi Kristina Brown\'s family \'prepare for the worst\': Anxious beside vigil after she was found face down in bath and suffered \'significant brain injuries\'

\'Still Praying 4 Bobbi Kristina\': Super Bowl singer Missy Elliott tweets well wishes for Whitney Houston\'s daughter \'fighting for her life\' in coma 

Katie Price is blasted for taking part in \'freak show\' task on CBB... as she finds herself in new disability storm   Became a two-headed monster with Hopkins

What a difference a month makes: Gaunt Nigella Lawson is almost unrecognisable as she steps out looking drained and tired Cook looked strained

EXCLUSIVE \'I can be a 10 out of 10 in the bedroom\': Chloe Goodman boasts of her sexual prowess as she strips down for VERY racy lingerie campaign

Reunited! Britney Spears and Steven Tyler share a kiss at the Super Bowl 14 years after they performed the halftime show together Has it been that long?

Their latest recruit? Colin Firth is joined by Take That at Kingsman: The Secret Service photocall in Italy Their Get Ready For It is on the soundtrack

Bring your daughter to work day! Chelsea Hamill watches father Mark films scenes for The Flash in Vancouver Enjoyed some family love on location

Val Kilmer\'s family \'believe he DOES have a tumour\' and is refusing medical treatment \'because of his Christian Science beliefs\'

It\'s back! Stills from Frozen Fever reveal plot of short-film sequel to Disney\'s mega hit and there\'s a new song CATCHIER than Let It Go

Brian and Vogue McFadden take their pet dog along to TV studio as they launch new testicular cancer awareness campaign  Urging men to get tested

Surprise Super Bowl teaser for Heroes Reborn reveals first look at Zachary Levi\'s new character Follow up to original 2006-2010 show

Goodness gracious! Ellie Goulding showcases her athletic prowess as she does a handstand on energetic photo shoot for new fitness campaign

Business as usual: Sarah-Jane Crawford makes an eye-catching sartorial display in furry pink coat as she returns to work after emergency surgery on her womb

Klass-ic casual style: Myleene wraps up warm in camel coat and large bobble hat as she runs errands in London Wore a bit more clothes than usual

Star in the making: Lauren Platt looks every inch the pop princess as she arrives at X Factor Tour rehearsal studios Aspiring singer, 17, looked more confident

\'I thought it would be appropriate to draw blood:\' Katy Perry gets \'XLIX\' tattooed on her finger after Super Bowl half-time show One way to remember

Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff reveals horrific injuries days after being mauled by THREE vicious dogs Married to David from 1989 to 2006

Not feeling the cold today! Queen wraps up in Karl Ludwig fur-trimmed coat as she opens Norfolk fire station Pictured in cold on Sunday

Making waves! Gigi Hadid shows off her incredible beach body as she sizzles in new campaign for Australian swimwear brand   Incredible beach bod

It\'s all in the jeans: Hailey Baldwin is announced as the face of Topshop\'s SS15 denim collection  Justin Bieber\'s rumoured girlfriend

Just horsing around: Alicia Douvall takes daughter Papaya to pet the animals following Celebrity Big Brother eviction Family time

The other Super Bowl: Tanned and toned Jamie Laing goes shirtless as he plays American football on the beach in Barbados with Made In Chelsea co-stars

Josh Hartnett cuts a dashing figure in Victorian costume as he shoots the upcoming second series of Penny Dreadful in Dublin Very gentlemanly

Catch her if you can: Geri Halliwell sports retro gilet and leggings as she continues fitness regime with a jog   Brave the freezing temperatures

\'Got my workout in!\' Real Housewife Lisa Rinna shows off her enviable physique as she burns calories before enjoying \'Super Bowl snacks\'

On Fire! Katy Perry stuns in flame outfit as she kicks off Super Bowl half time performance by twerking on Lenny Kravitz

That makes a change! Blurred Lines model Emily Ratajkowski covers up in a black coat and matching dress at radio station Usually half-naked

Calum Best\'s \'secret girlfriend\' is revealed... as his mother admits she feared the CBB hunk would die from drinking like his father George

Kim Kardashian gets slammed on Twitter for her new Super Bowl T-Mobile ad where she shows off her body while taking selfies Made fun of herself

\'We are so proud of you!\' Elated Gisele Bundchen can\'t stop cheering as she bounces out of stadium after husband Tom Brady\'s Super Bowl win

Queen Letizia looks polished in a plum suit as she joins husband King Felipe at art ceremony in Madrid   The 42-year-old carefully co-ordinated her outfit

Getting creative! Alyson Hannigan takes her two little girls to paint pottery on a family day out with husband Alexis Denisof No Super Bowl madness

Former teen idol David Cassidy is back on tour after completing court-ordered DUI rehab Last January he faced his third DUI arrest since 2010

Twice as nice! Adriana Lima shows off enviable legs in shimmering mini dress as she attends Super Bowl bash with fellow Victoria\'s Secret model Erin Heatherton

Travis Barker\'s ex-wife Shanna Moakler \'to start tattoo removal process of his name and initials\'... almost seven years after divorce End of an era

FOUR outfits and 22,000 crystals: Katy Perry turned her Super Bowl halftime performance into a fashion show A LOT of changes!

Looking Jumpin\' Jack Flash! Ronnie Wood stands out in distinctive blue jacket... as he touches down in New York with Rolling Stones bandmate Charlie Watts

Hamming it up: Cara Delevingne wears \'bacon\' baseball cap as she parties with Gigi Hadid in West Hollywood Has made no secret of her love of bacon

It\'s Tetris for your locks! Forget ombre, PIXELATED hair is the latest trend... so would you dare to try the quirky look? Interesting style...

From the Queen Vic to Queen Elizabeth I: Anita Dobson set to play monarch in new BBC Two documentary Armada Another regal role

Sealed with a kiss! Tom Brady celebrates his Super Bowl win by passionately smooching his wife Gisele Bundchen That\'s his prize!

Kate Winslet looks suspiciously slim in new photoshoot... just weeks after revealing natural curves during beach getaway My, she\'s changed!

She can\'t wipe the smile off her face! New England Patriots fan Elizabeth Banks sees her team triumph at the Super Bowl Was backing Brady

What Haas happened to you? Former child actor Lukas is unrecognisable as he steps out sporting scruffy grey beard  Rose to fame in the \'80s

Look what you\'re missing, Cristiano! Newly-single Irina Shayk unveiled as the face (and enviably long legs) of footwear brand Working it!

Meet the fashion industry\'s 93-year-old darling: Interior designer Iris Apfel joins supermodel Karlie Kloss, 22, for Kate Spade\'s spring campaign

Lily Allen draws attention to her toned abs in cropped hoodie and gold sequin pants as she hits the stage in Hong Kong Going for gold

Her mantelpiece must be crowded! Cambridge-educated Miss England Carina Tyrell adds Miss United Kingdom to her beauty pageant wins  You go girl!

All eyes on the Angels! Karlie Kloss and Adriana Lima show off their sexy figures in steamy Victoria\'s Secret Super Bowl advert

\'The British are s**t\': Naomi Campbell\'s former agent Carole White says girls from UK are too unfit and lazy to be supermodels (don\'t worry, she doesn\'t rate Kendall either)

\'She is not part of MY group\': Katie Hopkins stoops to new low on Celebrity Big Brother as she bans Katie Price from her inner circle Pair at war again

She lights up the room: Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio smokes a cigarette outside club wearing black leather dress  Naughty habit

Working off the Christmas pounds? Yo-yo dieter Lauren Goodger displays a much fuller figure as she works out on the beach in orange bikini 

SPOILER ALERT: What would Michelle say? Steve McDonald and Leanne Battersby flirt up a storm in the park in Coronation Street Long-time neighbours

Michelle Rodriguez keeps it low-key in skeleton graphic T-shirt and cream leather jacket after enjoying Italian dinner Not watching Super Bowl

Life\'s a beach! Naomi Watts and shirtless partner Liev Schreiber go shell picking with sons before kayaking in the Malibu sea Family weekend

Sheer delight! Rosamund Pike displays post-baby body in semi see-through black gown as she picks up award at Santa Barbara Film Festival

\'Awkward that my blog crashed already\': Made In Chelsea\'s Lucy Watson showcases her tanned legs in denim shorts... as fans flock to her new fashion site

Here comes Trouble! Iggy Azalea shows off curves in plunging crop top on set of new music video alongside Jennifer Hudson who wears sexy police uniform

\'This has been more painful for me than even my father dying\': Perez Hilton likens \'traumatic\' stint on CBB to losing his dad Stunned viewers

\'He is so annoying and irritating!\' Kavana sings insults tweeted to him by viewers in humiliating Celebrity Big Brother task Affected his self-esteem

SPOILER ALERT: Is new plot twist a clue as to who killed EastEnders\' Lucy Beale? Character\'s brother Peter arranged drug deal in her final moments

Revealed: Not all of Bruce Jenner\'s family knew about his \'plans to transition to a woman until recently\' The former Olympian is filming a docu-series

Becks hits the Super Bowl! David Beckham rolls up his sleeves as he heads into the big game in Arizona without his wife Victoria He loves US sports

(Super) Bowled over! Pregnant Ashlee Simpson dons blue wig as she poses for romantic shot with husband Evan Ross during NFL final

Meadow Walker posts a heart-breaking throwback snap of her late father Paul... as the Fast And Furious 7 trailer is released Died over a year ago

\'I was screaming blue murder\': Holby City\'s Rosie Marcel says she was far from a model patient during her daughter Beau\'s birth Showed off her baby

Too cold to get his claws out! Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman keeps warm in a quilted jacket and gloves as he signs autographs after Broadway performance

Smile, you\'re at the Super Bowl! Kanye West looks depressed during game with wife Kim Kardashian Looked downright miserable

Call it magic: Chris Martin and children Apple and Moses wear matching casual ensembles to enjoy lunch outing in LA Daddy time with kids

Four failed engagements and VERY public break-ups: As Kelly Brook shows off a new man, FEMAIL charts her turbulent love life and asks why she hasn\'t found The One

TOWIE\'s Jess Wright looks incredible in baby blue halter dress with contrasting clutch bag as she hits London club Out for her cousin Leah\'s birthday

Born to smile! Beaming Lana Del Rey sports conservative ensemble as she touches down in LA with boyfriend Francesco Carrozzini

Prepare to be shocked! Cinemagoers are in for a raunchy ride as Fifty Shades Of Grey is passed without ANY cuts (but it\'s still an 18) Valentine\'s Day release

\'I\'m the queen bee!\' Will Ferrell performs a hilarious impersonation of Beyonce as he sultrily lip-syncs Drunk In Love on Fallon\'s Super Bowl special

Katy Perry is a colour chameleon as she sports pink, purple and blue hair in her new Covergirl beauty advert What colour do you prefer?

No Doubt... she\'s in love! Brightly-dressed Gwen Stefani cuddles up to husband Gavin Rossdale and baby Apollo at son\'s football match

Strictly hands-on! Blue\'s Simon Webbe and actress Roxanne Pallett get VERY close as they\'re spotted kissing in Manchester Things hotting up

She\'s Only Human! Cheryl Fernandez-Versini gets emotional before flashing a smile (and her toned tum) in new music video New single, Only Human

Separate lives and a rather saucy secret: An intimate portrait of their marriage reveals how Camilla has kept Charles happy Spend a lot of time apart

Now THAT\'S a party! Harry Styles is joined by David Beckham and model exes Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne at £200K 21st birthday party in LA

\'I don\'t care enough about them\': Rita Ora takes as a swipe at her exes as she vows never to pen songs about failed romances She\'s not bitter...

First class arrival! Nicole Richie is every inch the stylish jet setter as she touches down in Los Angeles wearing a fluffy black coat and pink silk headscarf

\'I\'m not bothered about losing, but I\'m gutted about losing to Louie Spence!\' - Mike Tindall is thrashed by the reality TV dancer in The Jump

Ariana Grande looks radiant in strapless black corset top as she performs new single One Last Time on Jimmy Fallon\'s Super Bowl special

Cheetos mascot to wrestler! Katy Perry\'s Super Bowl half-time show leads to explosion of Internet memes Fans mocked her flame costume

\'Mommy getting ready for the Super Bowl!\' Kim Kardashian gets glammed up for the big game with the help of North American football fan?

The time of her life! Drew Barrymore joins Jimmy Fallon\'s post-Super Bowl special for a lip-sync performance inspired by Dirty Dancing

RHOBH star Camille Grammer, 46, turns heads at Super Bowl party as she takes the plunge in sexy blue jumpsuit Kelsey\'s ex-wife

Chris and make up: Actors Evans and Pratt settle their two-week Super Bowl feud with a playful selfie as they make charity pact  What a showdown

\'Baby mama crushed it!\': Taye Diggs praises ex-wife Idina Menzel\'s rendition of the US national anthem at the Super Bowl Divorced last year

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen get steamy as Mark Wahlberg, Drew Barrymore, Steven Tyler and others flock to the Super Bowl in Arizona

We are the champions! Christina Aguilera leads star-studded sing-along on Jimmy Fallon\'s Super Bowl special Stars flocked to US late night chat show

Sitemap Archive Video Archive Mobile Apps RSS Text-based site Reader Prints Our Papers Top of page Daily Mail Mail on Sunday This is Network Evening Standard This is Money

Metro Jobsite Mail Travel Zoopla.co.uk Prime Location

Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group

© Associated Newspapers Ltd Contact us Advertise with us US Careers at DailyMail.com Terms Privacy policy & cookies