Idris Elba is reportedly in talks to support a £1billion bid for Channel 4.
The Government announced their controversial decision to privatise the broadcaster back in April 2022. It was said to be a move that would secure long-term funding for Channel 4 and put it in competition with streaming giants such as Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Elba is believed to be partnering with entrepreneur Marc Boyan, who founded the international marketing firm Miroma Group.
The actor first cut his teeth with roles on UK television before finding international fame in Hollywood movies like Thor, Prometheus, and The Suicide Squad.
While he’s best known for his acting work on film and TV, Elba is no stranger to being involved in projects away from the camera lens.
In recent years, the 49-year-old has founded a record label and a production company, performing DJ sets at festivals around the world and opening his own wine bar in London.
Elba’s involvement in the Channel 4 bid was reported by The Sunday Times, who also claim there have been at least 25 expressions of interest in purchasing Channel 4, with the likes of ITV, Paramount, Warner Bros. and Comcast keen to absorb the UK broadcaster.
While Elba’s TV career now includes globally revered titles like Luther and The Office, his early work was on British shows including police drama The Bill and Channel 5 soap opera Family Affairs.
He has previously spoken about the importance of British television and his experience on Family Affairs, explaining: ‘At the time Channel 5 didn’t have lots of viewers. Few thousand, probably? But because they were a new channel they were courageous, they put lots of new young actors on screen, and I hold the experience close to my heart. It was a time that exploded my confidence.’
Idris Elba’s wine bar is now open in London.
Read Time Out’s review of Idris Elba’s latest film, ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’.