A quickie with... Idris Elba

To what extent is this show based on your own childhood?

It’s a bit of a mishmash, to be honest. It really is just a good look at the ’80s, which was when I was turning from a boy to a teenager. It’s looking at what London was like then, especially east London, where I came from.

Tell us more about your character…

I play Walter Easmon, who is based on my dad. He’s an immigrant who comes from Sierra Leone with his wife and sets up shop in London. He’s not particularly a comedic character, but my dad was the sort of life-of-the-party type of guy.

What’s it been like for you to play someone based on your own father?

It’s been all right, but it’s a bit sad. My old man passed a few years ago, so it’s bittersweet in places.

Is Kobna, Walter’s son, meant to be you then?

Yeah, he’s meant to be me as a kid. And it’s really weird sometimes, looking up and seeing parts of my life being displayed – it’s fun, too.

When you think back to growing up in the ’80s, what are your strongest memories?

A lot of growth for me happened when I was between ten and 15. I look back at that time fondly. I learned that, if I picked up an instrument, I could play it; that if I ran fast, I could win a race; if I played football... you know, I just learned that I was capable of stuff, and sort of lucky in that sense. That’s when I realised that I’m as good as the next man, if I really apply myself.

What has your mum made of the show?

My mum was in the original pilot playing the lollipop lady, which was the first time she’d been on set. She seemed quite underwhelmed, if I’m honest! I don’t know why, but she’s not really excitable like that.