Idris Elba: I was paranoid

Idris Elba admits “being adored by millions” made him paranoid.

The British actor has made a name for himself in his homeland and in America thanks to his hit show Luther, as well as appearing in big films such as Thor and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. But his fame has come with some downsides.

“You know The Truman Show' Sometimes you're not sure what's real or not, especially when it comes to relationships,” he confessed to British magazine Loaded. “If you're adored by millions, sometimes even on your own front doorstep you can become paranoid and constantly question, 'Who is he' Who is she' I know I've been guilty of it in the past."

The 42-year-old also has a second career as DJ and it has helped him become known as one of the coolest guys in the business. The father-of-two doesn’t see himself that way, however.

“Mr cool' Me' Well I wouldn't go quite that far. You know what I think it is' I think people like to see some genuine attributes in people they admire, you know a bit of relatability, I think I have that,” he mused. “And I think I've always managed to remain as Idris. It goes a long way in this business if people can relate to you. They believe in you more, they want to see you win more and they support you better.”

Idris enjoys working on both sides of the Atlantic, but it has helped him see the benefit of coming from the British Isles and not the other way around.

“I've gone to America as the new boy and come back to England as the old boy and I've watched American actors come here and realise immediately why they aren't relatable - you just don't want to go to the pub with them,” he added.