'It Was A Very Scary Moment': Idris Elba Battles Through Asthma Attack For South African Mandela Premiere

Idris Elba has revealed that "it was a scary moment" after he suffered an asthma attack on his way to Johannesburg, for the South African premiere of his new movie Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.

The 41-year-old British actor, who plays former South African president Mandela in his new movie, fell ill on a plane as he prepared to depart for the country on Friday.

The actor was taken off the aircraft before it left the UK and was taken to hospital to recover.  Idris was forced to miss a scheduled news conference in Johannesburg on Saturday to talk about the film but did manage to fly out for the big premiere on Sunday evening.

Although he was spotted looking a little ill as he walked the red carpet, the actor told Sky News that he was determined to make the premiere: "I've battled asthma most of my life and it just overwhelmingly took me down on Friday while I was sitting on a plane.

Idris Elba, seen at the premiere for Thor: The Dark World last month, was taken ill on a plane to South Africa (WENN)

"It was a very scary moment for me. A doctor on the plane helped me through it. Thankfully I am here."

The Luther star's new movie, which hits the UK in January, has already led to whispers of Oscar success for the London born actor.

After receiving a standing ovation at it's world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last month, both Idris and co-star Naomi Harris have been tipped for award show glory next year.

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