Sir Idris Elba almost missed out on his knighthood because the consideration letter "got lost in a pile of post"

During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, he explained: "I haven't had the sword on the shoulder yet, but my wife is loving it."

He added of the almost mishap: "It's a bit embarrassing. I was sent a consideration letter asking whether I would or wouldn't accept it, but I didn't see it as it got lost in a pile of post.

"My agent told me that if I didn't accept it would pass me by. By the time I found the letter I had only two days to decide."

However, Elba found the letter and replied in time and he's glad to have been given the honour because it's made his mother very happy.

He added: "I got it for services to young people and I was thinking: 'Hang on a minute, that's great, but I've been acting for 30 years!' It is actually a great honour, and my mum is so pleased.:

Elba previously explained he felt pleased to have his efforts to end knife-crime in the UK recognised because it will raise awareness and help more young peopl.

He told Extra: "I've worked, you know, trying to raise as much awareness about what young people are going through, especially in the UK and other parts of the world.

"It's a real honour to be recognised for that. Not for my acting work, but, you know, for trying to make a difference for young people."

The actor has already achieved a lot in his career, but he still has ambitions that he wants to fulfil. When asked if he's thinking about retirement, Elba replied: "You naturally retire ... There are things that I've done I don't need to do again and the things I'd like to progress towards; directing is one of them."

The Graham Norton Show airs on BBC One and iPlayer Friday January 16 at 10.40pm.