The role Idris Elba’s mother has never forgiven him for: “Why did you not take it?”

Idris Elba says he once turned down a role in EastEnders because he did not fancy taking it, despite his mother being a fan of the soap. Her reaction, asking why he had not accepted the offer, highlights how even a successful actor can face a mother’s regret over a missed opportunity.

Elba has since built a career across television and film, including The Wire, Luther and Hijack. The article also notes his planned projects, including another Luther series, an Extraction film and a role in the film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, due in cinemas on 15 January next year.