In a recent conference, Miranda Wayland, the Head of Creative Diversity at the BBC, said that Idris Elba’s character Luther “doesn’t feel authentic.”
Speaking about what can be done with the Times, Miranda stated: “It’s about making sure that everything around them — their environment, their culture, the set — is absolutely reflective.”
Miranda Wayland says Luther is “not black enough”
In a recent MIPTV conference Miranda Wayland, the Head of Creative Diversity at the BBC, addressed the diversity in Luther.
According to Metro, Miranda Wayland said: “When [Luther] first came out everybody loved the fact that Idris Elba was in there — a really strong, black character lead.”
“We all fell in love with him. Who didn’t, right? But after you got into about the second series you got kind of like, OK, he doesn’t have any black friends, he doesn’t eat any Caribbean food, this doesn’t feel authentic.”
In a statement obtained by Metro, a BBC spokesperson responded: “Luther is a multi-award winning crime drama series and the iconic role of DCI John Luther has become one of TV’s most powerful detective characters of which we are tremendously proud.”
Who is Miranda Wayland?
Miranda Wayland is the Head of Creative Diversity at the BBC.
According to the Children’s Media Conference website:
“She is responsible for overseeing the overall on-air, onscreen diversity and inclusion strategies across output; supporting the commissioning teams and independent suppliers to drive change, increase representation and ensure the BBC delivers against its strategic goals and public purpose.”
Miranda Wayland has previously held the role of Interim Head of Diversity and Inclusion, and Diversity Lead for Radio and Education.