United Kingdom, Jan. 16 -- Sir Idris Elba almost missed out on his knighthood because the consideration letter "got lost in a pile of post".

The Luther star was recognised in the New Year Honours list "for services to young people" following his campaign against knife crime in the UK, but the 53-year-old actor has admitted he didn't see the consideration letter he was sent until two days before the deadline to accept.

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 pos...