Idris: Let’s KO knife crime Star uses boxing to turn children off street violence in new TV show
IDRIS Elba will use boxing lessons to try to turn around the lives of seven youngsters caught up in knife crime and street violence, for a new BBC series.
The TV and film star, who grew up in the London borough of Hackney, hopes to provide an outlet for young men and women “whose circumstances around their upbringing have not given them the opportunities to make the right choices”.
He says the four-part series, that airs on BBC Two next year, will demonstrate what can happen when people are given a chance to turn their lives around.
In Idris Elba’s Fight School youngsters from across the UK will learn discipline, focus and determination over six months
– key elements in the world of fight training. Elba hopes these lessons will give them the tools, determination and direction to transform their lives.
“I see history constantly repeating itself and can empathise with these kids,” he said.
“There is a better way to teach people that you don’t need knives to protect yourself. It’s a proven fact that in urban areas where fight schools open, violent crime drops – which is
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why I wanted to do this project, in the hope that we can change people’s lives. I want this project to be an ongoing presence that will continue to provide support and education for the community for years to come.”
Set in London, the fight school training will be provided by “the hardest and toughest in the boxing industry” – who also happen to be former world-class fighters.
The young adults will spend six months living and training together while battling it out against other amateurs as they work towards a big showcase finale. They will be mentored by Elba and a team of support professionals throughout. The 47-year-old actor hopes the recruits, chosen with the help of local organisations, will return home empowered having experienced a gruelling but life-affirming journey.
The Luther star trained to become a professional kickboxer in 2017, with his progress recorded in a series for Discovery called Fighter. He said at the time: “You do have to tap into and embrace weakness to be strong.”