Louis Smith, Cecilia Noble, Lenny Henry, Idris Elba, Rio Ferdinand, David Haye, Ian Wright and Denise Lewis Idris said: “I don’t want to reveal too much about the sketch but viewers at home are in for a real treat as they’ll get to see a new side of Luther, which I’m really excited about. I’m proud to be supporting such an amazing cause and hope that everyone gets involved and does their bit for Sport Relief this year.”
Louis Smith, Cecilia Noble, Lenny Henry, Idris Elba, Rio Ferdinand, David Haye, Ian Wright and Denise Lewis star in the upcoming Sport Relief sketch (Picture: BBC)

Idris Elba is putting John Luther’s funny side on full display for a hilarious Sport Relief sketch.

The 43-year-old actor will star in the skit alongside Lenny Henry, Rio Ferdinand, David Haye, Denise Lewis, Cecilia Noble, Louis Smith, Ruth Wilson and Ian Wright.

By the looks of the promotional image, he’ll have his suit-and-tie style stolen by three of the lads as they help him crack a tricky case.

Idris said: ‘I don’t want to reveal too much about the sketch but viewers at home are in for a real treat as they’ll get to see a new side of Luther, which I’m really excited about.

‘I’m proud to be supporting such an amazing cause and hope that everyone gets involved and does their bit for Sport Relief this year.’

The sketch will air on Friday March 18 in the annual BBC One show hosted this year by Strictly’s Claudia Winkleman.

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Strictly embargoed until 00.01 14th january 2016 Britain’s best loved telly presenter Claudia Winkelman is rocking the official Sport Relief T-shirt with style to celebrate the launch of Sport Relief 2016. The t-shirts are available online at sportrelief.com from today and in Sainsbury’s stores from 15th February. Claudia will be back presenting the Sport Relief Night of TV on Friday 18th March. Join in the fun and games at sportrelief.com.
The evening’s festivities will be hosted by Claudia Winkleman (Picture: BBC)

Other highlights in the lead-up to the big show include The Great Sport Relief Bake Off will feature contestants Samantha Cameron, Ed Balls and Kimberley Walsh.

Jennifer Saunders, Sarah Millican, Ed Byrne and resident Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc presenting an episode each.

Let’s Play Darts will also return to BBC Two, presented by Gabby Logan and featuring of the nation’s favourite comedians including Greg Davies, Jon Richardson, Katherine Ryan and Tim Vine, plus sporting stars Mike Tindall and Robbie Savage.

Olympic medallist Louis Smith gets in gear for Sport Relief 2016 with an impressive gymnastic display at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. He’ll also be popping up in a Luther sketch on the Sport Relief Night of TV on Friday 18 March. Do yourself proud and sign up to the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games at sportrelief.com.
Louis Smith will be taking part in a gymnastics display at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as well as starring in Idris’ sketch (Picture: BBC)

On Sunday 20th March BBC One will host the Sport Relief Games Show, live from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where famous faces will join members of the British public for a bout of athletic money-raising.

Sport Relief will use half of the money raised to make a difference right here in the UK. The other half is used to transform lives across the world’s poorest communities.

To find out more or take part, visit the Sport Relief website here.

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