BBC AMERICA TO CO-PRODUCE SECOND SEASON OF LUTHER

Golden Globe-nominee Idris Elba to return to BBC AMERICA screens

NEW YORK - Hot on the heels of Idris Elba's best actor win at the NAACP Awards on Friday night, BBC AMERICA has today confirmed it is to co-produce the mini-series sequel of the critically-acclaimed drama, Luther, starring Golden Globe nominee, Idris Elba.

Perry Simon, General Manager, Channels, BBC Worldwide America says: "It's great to be involved once again with such a critically-acclaimed series and to have Idris back on BBC AMERICA in this iconic role. He fully deserves the prestigious awards and accolades he's received for playing this dark and deeply disturbed character. With an even more intense storyline awaiting him, Idris will take Luther to a whole new level."

Elba stars as John Luther, the near-genius detective struggling to cope with his own demons, in two 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 and beautifully shot this series sees Luther take bigger risks and face even darker challenges.

The original six-part mini-series was lauded by fans and critics alike when it was first broadcast on BBC AMERICA in October. TV Guide said it was, "Criminally good... Luther is Prime Suspect on crack," USA Today called it a "...terrific six part thriller... you have to watch," and Variety declared "Luther is well worth the investment� there haven't been many recent offerings in this genre on either side of the pond superior to Luther."

Elba, already a Golden Globe nominee for his role as Luther, was honored last Friday at the 42nd NAACP Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special.

Luther is written by Neil Cross (Spooks, The Fixer), directed by Sam Miller (Spooks, This Life) and produced by Katie Swinden (Spooks). Philippa Giles (Emma, Jane Eyre) is Executive Producer. Luther is a BBC and BBC AMERICA co-production distributed by BBC Worldwide.