Idris Elba has created a new comedy series in which he will also star in for the UK’s Sky 1.

In the Long Run is loosely based on Elba’s his own childhood.

Set in London 1985, In the Long Run is about the Easmon family. Amid the tower blocks and shell suits, life for Walter (Elba) 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 neighbor Bagpipes (Bill Bailey) 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 is family.

“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,” says Elba.

Exec Producers are Idris Elba and Gina Carter, Charlie Hanson is producing, Declan Lowney is directing and writers are Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis, Stuart Lane and Grace Ofori-Attah.

In the Long Run is a co-production between Green Door and Sprout Pictures.

Sky 1

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