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Two of the UK's most action packed contemporary dramas of this year, Luther and Strike Back, will hit Australian screens soon following the recent sale of both programs from ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide Australia to ABC TV.

With stellar leads such as Idris Elba (The Wire) and Richard Armitage (Spooks, Robin Hood), dynamic plots and explosive visuals, both Luther (6x50' ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳/³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ America) and Strike Back (3x90' Left Bank Pictures) combine the best elements of British drama to weave multifaceted and compelling tales.

"Combining smart storytelling, volatile and complex characters with fast-paced action, both Luther and Strike Back are sure to make a big impact on Australian audiences," says Amber Knight, Head of Television Sales, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Worldwide Australia.

"ABC TV is delighted to have acquired these two new contemporary dramas. Our audience will really engage with these stories and having some actors very familiar to our viewers, such as Richard Armitage and Andrew Lincoln, is an extra bonus," said Marena Manzoufas, ABC TV's Head of Programming.

Starring Idris Elba in the title role, Luther follows the story of a brilliant detective tormented by the darker side of humanity. This smart and entertaining psychological thriller is driven by the intellectual but emotionally compromised detective as he negotiates the hearts and minds of criminals while struggling with demons of his own.

Strike Back is a story of deception, redemption and revenge, centred around two former soldiers and a past event that will link their future. Based on the international best-seller by ex-SAS soldier Chris Ryan and starring Richard Armitage and Andrew Lincoln (Afterlife, This Life), Strike Back is non-stop action that is unrelenting and powerful in its delivery.

Luther and Strike Back will air later in 2010.

Fiona Bickerstaff