The first pictures have been release of the cast of In The Long Run, the new Sky comedy set in the 1980s and inspired by the childhood memories of Idris Elba.

The series is set in the 1980s, the decade of shell suits and turtlenecks, and starts on Thursday 29th March at 10pm on Sky One and streaming service NOW TV.

Comedian Bill Bailey plays hapless neighbour Bagpipes and is pictured here with his wife Kirsty (Kellie Shirley).

Created by and featuring Golden Globe® winner Idris Elba with an ensemble cast the series takes a nostalgic look back at life in 1980s East London with Elba at the helm as family man Walter Easmon, alongside wife Agnes (Madeline Appiah), son Kobna (Sammy Kamara) and younger brother Valentine (Jimmy Akingbola).

Walter and Agnes arrived from Sierra Leone 13 years ago and work hard to pay the bills, raise son Kobna as well as support their family back home. 

But when Walter’s brother, Valentine, comes to stay, his exuberance and lust for life changes everything. Looking to make a life for himself in the UK, he crashes into their lives bringing laughter, music and chaos. He quickly finds work, falls in love and ignites a passion for music in Kobna. He may frustrate Agnes and test Walter’s patience but Kobna adores his “funcle” Valentine and after all, he is family. 

From Executive Producers Idris Elba and Gina Carter (Moone Boy), Producer Charlie Hanson (Extras), Directors Declan Lowney (Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa) and Cecile Emeke and writers Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis, Stuart Lane and Grace Ofori-Attah.