'The Wire' star signs for BBC's 'Luther'

The Wire star Idris Elba has signed up to feature in BBC One's new series Luther.

The 36-year-old actor, who played Russell 'Stringer' Bell in the US show, will play a near-genius murder detective in the six-part thriller.

"I'm really excited about playing Luther," said Elba. "He's a challenging and exciting character because he's so complex. While he's capable of great kindness and loyalty, sometimes he steps over the edge of madness - simmering with anger and rage."

Filming for the series, which was created by Spooks writer Neil Cross, begins this autumn for transmission in 2010. Further casting is expected to be announced soon.

Elba was recently linked to DC Comics adaptation The Losers.