Idris Elba: Licensed to thrill

What you might not know is Elba does his own stunts, is a bit of an adrenaline junkie and also isn’t not bad on the decks.

In this exclusive interview he speaks about his new show, his geeky secret and more.

Can you tell us a little bit about Idris Elba: No Limits?

Idris Elba (IE): It’s a show about me taking on lots of stuff that I’ve always been interested in … It’s really just a show with me challenging myself and doing really stupid things, to be honest.

What is the most dangerous thing you had to do during the shooting of the series?

IE: If I’m honest, probably flying a plane. Rally driving is a relatively safe sport, but you know if you make a mistake, there is such a thin line between going very fast and then crashing straight into a tree. I think it’s between that and aerobatics. Although that was safe and you’re safe in the air, it’s just that I’ve never learned to fly a plane until now, so I was a bit nervous about doing that, if anything.

Do you consider yourself to be a fearless man?

IE: No, I’m not fearless, that’s for sure … I definitely have a healthy slice of fear in my personality. But I’m not afraid to challenge that at all.

What makes you feel passionate about the roles or hobbies you choose?

IE: I think what makes me feel passionate is that every day is a new experience. You could sit and do the things that you are most comfortable with all day long, but you don’t really grow. You know when we’re kids … we’re just learning every day. It’s all new experiences, we are fearless, we’re just going for it. What I like about doing a show like this or having hobbies that are extreme is I’m still opening that envelope in my head.

Did you go to Glastonbury this year? How was it?

IE: Yeah, I just got back on Sunday. It was amazing, I DJ’d and really had a good time. I had a good response from the audience.

Do you have a geeky secret?

IE: Buck Rogers. I used to watch that. Do you remember Mork and Mindy? I used to watch that too.