School runs were rerouted, scenic routes were taken home from work, and shopping trips were re-scheduled as news that Idris Elba had been spotted in Brockley.

With reports of numerous women and some men spotted swooning on the streets, the actor was seen at the Rivoli Ballroom.

Mr Elba was at the picturesque ballroom filming scenes for the BBC drama Luther and is well known as a charitable and friendly face around the local area.

Natalie Dolan-Erb wrote: “Saw him in Kings Ground 10 minutes ago. He actually waved at me! Life will never be the same – it’s nice getting a smile and wave.”

Sarah Tessier wrote: “Saw him on the way home from the school run outside the Rivoli. If only every school run were that exciting.”

FilmFixer film office is working with BBC and Lewisham Council for the on-site filming and the director said the famous actor is “no stranger” to the area.

FilmFixer director Karen Everett said: “We can confirm that the Rivoli in Brockley was one location used by the production, and we will provide more details about the shoot around the time of the show's transmission.

“Idris Elba is no stranger to the area and has been behind some generous film donations to local charities. Some of the most important scenes in Guerrilla, the Sky TV series, for example, were filmed locally.

“Goddard’s Pie Shop on Deptford High Street hosting a meeting of the underground cell. Also on Deptford High Street disturbing scenes were filmed showing three policemen slapping and beating the stars with truncheons.

“The production made a donation to the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust to thank locals – and the production asked Brockley Road residents association which charities it might make a donation to on their behalf.”

The Rivoli Ballroom has been used in a number of films, including the Avengers: Age of Ultron movie

Piers Wenger, controller of BBC Drama, says: “It’s fantastic to have Idris Elba and the team back filming in London and we are thrilled that the exceptional Wunmi Mosaku will be returning to BBC One to join this already stellar cast.

“Neil Cross’ scripts for this fifth series of Luther are explosive and fans won’t be disappointed.”