Idris Elba made it to the premiere of his Nelson Mandela movie despite being taken to hospital the day before.

The British actor was on a plane getting ready to fly to South Africa for the premiere of Mandela: A Long Walk Of Freedom when he suffered an asthma attack, and had to be taken off and rushed to hospital in the UK.

But The Wire actor, who plays Mandela in the film, managed to jet out in time to join his co-star Naomie Harris at the screening in Johannesburg.

Idris, who was snapped mopping his brow as he walked the red carpet, told Sky News the asthma attack was a "very scary moment".

"A doctor on the plane helped me through it. Thankfully I am here," he said.

The film's stars were joined by several of Mandela's friends and family including his second wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who sat next to Idris during speeches at a champagne reception.

The 41-year-old actor said: "What an amazing turnout, we're very proud. This story is so much bigger than me, than any of us, and when we were given the task to bring this story to life it was under the guidance of Justin (director Justin Chadwick) and Anant (producer Anant Singh).

"I've never worked with such a committed set of actors. In true spirit, these are my comrades."

The film will be released in the UK on January 3.