Luther ‘lacks Caribbean authenticity’

IDRIS ELBA’S Luther “doesn’t feel authentic”, the creative diversity chief of the BBC has suggested because the lead character has few black friends and does not eat Caribbean food.

The 48-year-old stars as haunted rogue detective John Luther in the critically acclaimed police drama, which has run for five series since 2010 on BBC One.

Speaking at the MIPTV conference, Miranda Wayland praised the east London-born actor for playing a “really strong, black character lead”.

However, she said that by the second series she had begun to question the character’s authenticity, adding that television bosses must ensure black characters have an environment and culture built around them that is “absolutely reflective” of their background.

A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC is committed to its continued investment in diversity and recent dramas I May Destroy You and Small

Axe are testament to that.”