'Luther', 'Death in Paradise' to return to BBC One

Luther and Death In Paradise will both return to BBC One, it has been confirmed.

BBC head of drama Ben Stephenson made the announcement at the recent Broadcasting Press Guild lunch.

Death In Paradise - described by Stephenson as "old-fashioned fun with a modern slant" - stars Ben Miller as Richard Poole, a stuffy British policeman who is relocated to the fictional Caribbean island of Saint-Marie.

The drama, which peaked at 6.78m viewers in 2011, will return for eight more episodes later this year.

Stephenson added that Idris Elba's cop drama Luther - which attracted an audience of up to 6.77m - has been recommissioned for four more 60-minute episodes.

Elba said earlier this year that he was hoping for a third series of Luther, telling Digital Spy that the new run will boast "more mayhem".

The actor also revealed that he would like to reprise his role of DCI John Luther in a big-screen adaptation.

"I really do want to make Luther into a film," he said. "I think that's where the ultimate Luther story will unfold, the big silver screen."

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Watch Idris Elba discuss the third series of Luther with Digital Spy below: