From Hackney to Hollywood: Idris Elba arrives at Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds London reveals BAFTA, Golden Globe and SAG winning, and Emmy nominated Idris Elba OBE as the latest local icon to join the world-famous attraction’s star-studded lineup.

Behind-the-scenes footage released today shows the proud Londoner’s reaction to meeting his first ever figure after months of planning and working with the talented team of artists.

The homegrown global icon and activist's figure wears a red-carpet-ready outfit first worn by the star in July 2024 when he met with King Charles during an event about addressing youth violent crime, an issue close to Idris’ heart. Together they discussed the work of The King’s Trust and the Elba Hope Foundation in supporting young people.

The monochrome blue Eve of Winston suit was designed by Idris himself, with the long-sleeved version crafted for the Madame Tussauds London figure. The look is complete with patent Christian Louboutin dress shoes, which were donated by the star himself specially for his Madame Tussauds London figure to wear.

The 53-year-old, who grew up on the Holly Street Estate in Hackney, East London, has steadily risen to the heady heights of Hollywood fame thanks to his multitude of talents, philanthropic spirit and considerable charm.

Idris Elba OBE, actor, activist and musician, said: “It’s truly an honour to be recognised in this way and even more special to know this other version of me
will be standing tall in London. So, even when I'm away, a part of me is always at home. The process has been fascinating. It’s not dissimilar to prepping for a movie role – working with talented artists to flesh out the character, getting the costume just right, but this time it’s for me! It’s really surreal to see another version of me standing in Madame Tussauds London, it feels like a full circle moment.”

Idris Elba rose to global fame as ‘Stringer Bell’ in The Wire and has since built a two-decade career spanning a Golden Globe-winning turn in Luther, the acclaimed films The House of Dynamite and Beasts of No Nation, and blockbuster roles in FAST AND FURIOUS: Hobbs and Shaw, The Suicide Squad and Zootopia 2 which just surpassed $1Billion at the box office. He will next be seen this January starring in season two of Apple’s hit show Hijack, reprising his Emmy nominated role as Sam Nelson.

As a BAFTA Special Award recipient and double MOBO honouree, Idris is equally dedicated to off-screen work, championing community projects in Hackney, promoting African arts and enterprise, and leading the ‘Don’t Stop Your Future’ campaign against knife crime in the UK.

Steve Blackburn, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said: “Idris is a Londoner through and through. While his extraordinary talent has taken him on a journey from Hackney to Hollywood, he has never forgotten his roots – always giving back to the city that raised him and using his voice to fight for a better future for all.
“It’s a privilege to be able to create Idris’ first-ever figure right here in London, where it all began. His collaboration has been invaluable, and we’re delighted to see his reaction to the finished figure.”

Idris Elba OBE’s figure will feature in Madame Tussauds London’s iconic Awards Party zone from 19 December joining the star-studded line up of figures such as Gillian Anderson, Bella Ramsey, Timothée Chalamet, Harry Styles, Zendaya, Dwayne Johnson, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Lady Gaga.