Actor Idris Elba has described it as “surreal” to see himself immortalised in wax following the unveiling of his first-ever figure at Madame Tussauds London.
The 53-year-old’s waxwork, now on display at the Baker Street attraction, is dressed in a long-sleeve version of the suit Elba wore when he met King Charles in July 2024. The figure is also sporting patent Christian Louboutin dress shoes, donated to the museum by the actor himself.
The Hackney-born star said it was “amazing” to see his likeness featured at the London attraction, calling the experience a special homecoming.
“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,” Elba said. “So, even when I’m away, a part of me is always at home.”
Best known for his roles as Stringer Bell in The Wire and as detective John Luther in the BBC crime drama Luther, Elba worked closely with Madame Tussauds’ artists over several months to bring the figure to life. He described the process as “fascinating”, likening it to preparing for a film role.
“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,” he said. “It feels like a full-circle moment.”
Elba has recently appeared in the apocalyptic thriller A House of Dynamite and Disney’s upcoming family film Zootopia 2. Beyond acting, he is also the face of the Don’t Stop Your Future campaign, launched in 2024 to raise awareness of serious youth violence and knife crime in the UK.
Steve Blackburn, general manager of Madame Tussauds London, said it was a privilege to create Elba’s first figure in the city where his career began, praising the actor’s hands-on involvement throughout the process.
Elba’s waxwork now stands in the attraction’s awards party zone, alongside figures of stars including Gillian Anderson, Timothée Chalamet, Harry Styles, Zendaya and Lady Gaga.