‘I love making people laugh’

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH best

Heart-throb Idris Elba, 45, has gone from east London to the A-list. The dad-oftwo recently announced his engagement to 29-year-old model Sabrina Dhowre.

Hi, Idris. Tell us about In The Long Run…

It follows two families who live in the same block of flats, their sons play together, and it’s about what it’s like to live in a community where ‘in the long run’, we are all the same. There’s no trickery – you either like these people or you don’t. And it’s nice to have a multicultural cast, to see an African family on-screen alongside an English family.

To what extent is it based on your family?

It’s really just a good look at the 80s, which was when I was turning from boy to teenager, and what London was like then.

Who do you play?

Walter Easmon, who is based on my dad. He’s an immigrant from Sierra Leone. He’s not particularly a comedic character, but my dad was the sort of life-of-the-party type guy. He works as a shop steward in a car factory, like my dad did.

What was it like playing a character based on your dad?

It’s been a bit sad: my old man passed a few years ago, so it’s bittersweet in places. But this character’s taken on a life of its own – I’m not just doing an impression of him.

This is your first comedy – how are you enjoying making people laugh?

I love it! I’d never done it

before and it’s very different from drama. I love working with Bill Bailey (who plays neighbour Bagpipes). He’s a natural comedian – he doesn’t overdo it.

What are your strongest memories of the 80s?

A lot of growth for me happened between 10 and 15. It’s when I learned I was capable of doing quite a few things: I learned that if I picked up an instrument, I could play it; that if I ran fast, I could win a race. I realised that I’m as good as the next man, if I really apply myself.

In The Long Run starts with a double bill on Sky One and Now TV on Thursday at 10pm.