Idris Elba has opened up on how he needs therapy to cope with his dark but “addictive” role in hit crime drama Luther.
The actor, 46, revealed the grim storylines he has played DCI John Luther in for the BBC1 show since 2010 leave their mark on him.
He said: “I always find myself needing therapy both before and after I play him. Afterwards, I need a nice break, I get to reset.
“It’s often when I make really good music or DJ great sets, because I’ve been in such a dark place for a long time that it’s nice to get out.
“I’ve been addicted to the lifestyle and expressive nature of Luther for a while.”
Idris spoke after it emerged British actor Kit Harington, 32, went to rehab when Game of Thrones ended. He is being treated for emotional stress and fatigue.
Idris previously told of how he used “career character” Luther as a way of stabilising his mental health. In 2015, he said: “I use Luther as a therapy session because there’s a lot of screaming and shouting. ‘That was good acting’, people will say, but I wasn’t acting, I was really angry.”
The star was speaking in the US to promote the fifth series of Luther airing on BBC America – and told of how he believes it could be time for the sleuth to make the move to the big screen. Idris said: “I think we should be changing format now. The last few seasons have been more like mini-movies.”
The actor also told of his joy at marrying Canadian model Sabrina Dhowre, 29, in April.
Idris, who has two kids from previous relationships, said: “We’ve been inseparable since we met. I’m 47 this year, been married and lived a full life before I met Sabrina. It wasn’t something I wanted to do, get married again.
“She has deepened friendships with people I’ve known longer than her, nurturing the best side of me to make me connect more.”
- The full feature is in July’s British Vogue, available in print and digital on Friday.
