Sky announces Idris Elba comedy In The Long Run
- Sky 1 has ordered a part autobiographical comedy created by Idris Elba
- The actor will also star in the six-part series, which is set in 1985 Hackney
- In The Long Run will co-star Bill Bailey as the best friend of Elba's character
Sky 1 has commissioned a new six-part comedy by Idris Elba.
The acclaimed actor has created and will star in In The Long Run, a semi-autobiographical comedy set in Hackney, north London, in 1985.
Written by Grace Ofori-Attah alongside The Job Lot creator-writers Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis and Stuart Lane, the series will co-star Bill Bailey as Bagpipes, the best friend and neighbour of Elba's character, Walter.
Sky say: "Amid the tower blocks and shell suits, life for Walter and Evelyn Easmon is all about quiet routine. They arrived from Sierra Leone 13 years ago and are happy earning enough to pay the bills with a bit left over to send back home. Walter works hard alongside his mate and neighbour Bagpipes at the local factory while Evelyn patrols the estate selling make-up door-to-door. Their British born son Akuna and his best mate Scott hang out on the estate playing football and doing their best to dodge the local thugs.
"But when Walter's brother Valentine arrives to the UK, his energy and lust for life changes everything. He crashes into their lives bringing laughter and chaos and igniting a passion for music in Akuna. And though he frustrates Evelyn and tests Walter's patience, Akuna adores his 'funcle' Valentine because after all, he's family."
Idris Elba says: "I'm really happy to be in comedy, bringing some joy into a world that needs some laughs. With a great team behind it I look forward to people seeing it."
Jon Mountague, Head of Comedy at Sky, says: "We're honoured to be working with Idris in what is an authentic, perceptive and deeply funny show. In The Long Run will surprise and delight viewers. Idris completes a fantasy line up on Sky 1 that has made all my comedy dreams come true."
In The Long Run's commissioning follows news of two other semi-autobiographical comedies: Sick Of It, from Karl Pilkington; and The Reluctant Landlord, from Romesh Ranganathan.
Further casting and broadcast details are expected to be confirmed later in the year. The show is being made by Green Door Pictures and Sprout Pictures and will be broadcast in 2018.