Idris Elba was seen rehearsing with Absolutely Fabulous stars Dame Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders in never-seen-before throwback snap.
Absolutely Fabulous ran for five successful seasons from 1992 to 2003 and one film, boasting a hoard of A-list guest stars including Tom Holland, Emma Bunton and Rosie Huntington Whitley.
In the early days of Elba’s career, he featured in an episode of the hit 90s British sitcom as male escort Hilton.
In an upcoming reunion special in which Jennifer and Joanna reminisce about their time working on the 90s show, they reflect on Elba’s appearance.
Joanna says: ‘I like to think you launched him in Ab Fab. Anyway, since then he’s never mentioned Ab Fab.’
Idris Elba was seen rehearsing with Absolutely Fabulous stars Dame Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders in never-seen-before throwback snap
Jennifer adds she has met him since and thought he was ‘absolutely lovely’.
As they speculate on why Elba does not bring up his feature in the show often, Saunders admits that they did ‘give him the worst joke’.
Absolutely Fabulous follows Edina Monsoon, played by Saunders, who is an alcoholic and drug-abusing PR mogul and her best friend Patsy, Saunders, as they spend their time in a haze of inebriated selfishness.
The show is credited for having a ground-breaking influence on female comedy by breaking the mould of roles for women.
Last month, Idris partied the night away with PM Keir Starmer as he celebrated his 52nd birthday in style.
Held at swanky private members’ club, The Roof Gardens, in London, the actor was joined by a whole host of celebrities.
Idris, who performed a DJ set at his party, was joined on the decks by Angela Rippon, with her former Strictly partner, Kai Widdrington sharing photos.
The venue is divided into themed gardens and reopen this summer after a multi-million-pound refurbishment.
It comes after Idris partied the night away with PM Keir Starmer as he celebrated his 52nd birthday in style on Thursday evening (pictured with his wife Sabrina in February)
Held at swanky private members’ club, The Roof Gardens, in London, the actor was joined by a whole host of celebrities (Keir pictured earlier in the day)
The Luther star was also joined by Michael McIntyre, Gemma Goldsmith, Lily Cole and David Mitchell.
An insider told The Sun: ‘Everyone was talking about Keir coming for a drink and he was seen driving into the underground car park of the venue around 8pm and left an hour later.
‘Keir was on top form and was chatting with everyone at the bash. He didn’t stay long but having him there was a real highlight for the guests.
‘Idris got up on the decks for a DJ set and Angela joined him. She turns 80 in October but she was partying hard and looked like she was loving it in the booth with Idris.’
The source added that Idris and his wife Sabrina were the last to head home in the early hours of the morning.
It’s been a busy month for Idris who’s play, Shifters, for which he serves as a producer recently transferred to the West End.
He has worked with Love Island host Maya Jama and rapper Little Simz on the production which has been hailed as ‘beautiful, funny and moving’ by audiences.
It has now been transfered to the Duke Of York’s Theatre after a sold out run at Bush Theatre.
Idris, who performed a DJ at his party, was joined on the decks by Angela Rippon, with her former Strictly partner, Kai Widdrington sharing photos
Shifters tells the story of Des and Dre, who come crashing back into each other’s lives and are reminded of their love and time together as teenagers – but their time is limited.
The play – which stars Netflix ‘s Supacell and Doctor Who star Tosin Cole alongside actress Heather Agyepong – has received high praise.
Audiences have gushed over the heart-wrenching tale, written by Benedict Lombe and directed by Lynette Linton, applauding it for being moving and thought-provoking but also humorous.
The trio, who will produce the play, will be joined by Eleanor Lloyd Productions, Chuchu Nwagu Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions.
Idris said: ‘This play is so well written by Benedict Lombe and so well performed by Heather Agyepong and Tosin Cole, we feel very, very privileged to be a part of its transition into the West End.’
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