'Luther' series three cast revealed, BBC America to co-produce

New details have emerged about the upcoming third series of Luther.

The BBC crime drama, which stars Idris Elba as maverick cop John Luther, will return for four 60-minute episodes, it was confirmed earlier this month.

It has now been confirmed that BBC America will co-produce the new series, which will air in the UK and US later this year.

"Luther has been integral in establishing our new Dramaville franchise, the home for groundbreaking British drama," said BBC Worldwide America's Perry Simon.

"We're excited to work once again with the incredibly talented writer Neil Cross and executive producer Phillippa Giles on this new ambitious four-part mini-series."

The entire lead cast from the show's second run will return, including Warren Brown (Justin Ripley), Dermot Crowley (Schenk), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Erin Gray) and Michael Smiley (Benny Silver).

Luther star Elba recently won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the show's title character.

"We made our little show in London, and now we're getting this worldwide recognition of it," said the actor. "Love it."

The third series of Luther will be written by Neil Cross and directed by Sam Miller.

> Idris Elba 'wants to make Luther film'

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