Idris Elba sparks bidding war with streaming giants Netflix and Disney for new TV show
HE has played drug kingpin Stringer Bell in The Wire and a tough DCI in gritty BBC drama Luther.
Now Idris Elba is taking on a role with a far gentler flavour — exploring his roots in a brand new TV series.
The programme hasn’t started production yet, but is already in demand — with three streaming giants keen.
A source said: “Idris has created a television show all about exploring his roots.
“Idris will be seen going through his past and exploring his family's heritage and culture.
“Word has got around and Netflix, Disney and Paramount+ have all shown interest. There is a bidding war going on but Idris is still working out where he thinks the show would be best placed.
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“He has a first-look deal with Apple TV+ and his production company Green Door Pictures but he can take the show elsewhere.
“Idris is a perfectionist and he will want everything to be just right before he decides who to go with.”
Given the success of Idris’ previous projects, I have no doubt this will be just as good.
And I can imagine plenty of his fans would enjoy seeing him in a softer role.
'Death of Dot made me quit'
EASTENDERS’ Milly Zero has revealed she was inspired to leave the BBC soap after June Brown’s death.
The actress, who has played the legend’s on-screen granddaughter Dotty Cotton for three years, felt it was the push she needed to look beyond Albert Square when bosses started planning their tribute.
She told me: “My exit comes after Dot’s death and funeral.
“When I had the thought that I wanted to leave and explore other projects the fact that we were doing Dot’s funeral was a sign. I was like, OK, that’s the time for Dotty to go, it makes complete sense.”
Milly has already filmed her final scenes, which will air this month following the reading of Dot’s will.
She added: “Dotty’s exit is explosive. She’s not going to leave with a smile on her face – she’s not that kind of girl.
“Dotty could come back. Hopefully it’s not the end of Dotty but we’ll see.”
Cruising off for Nolans
THE Nolans certainly aren’t in the mood for dancing after hearing their travel show is up for the chop.
The Nolans Go Cruising is Quest Red’s most popular series ever, but the production company behind it has closed, leaving its future in huge doubt.
And to make matters worse, sisters Coleen, Linda, Anne, Denise and Maureen only found out after reading it online.
A Nolans source said: “The ladies were extremely shocked to have heard in these circumstances.
“The series has been a steady source of income, especially during Covid and for Linda, as she can’t go out touring or doing panto, due to her incurable cancer.”
I’ve heard other production companies are interested in taking on the show, so it could lead to a comeback.
There will always be room for the Nolans on telly.
Green Greta is Carr fan
ADELE has some competition for the title of Alan Carr’s No1 celebrity superfan.
The funnyman has revealed environmentalist Greta Thunberg was in the audience for his gig in her native Sweden.
And he felt so intimidated by her presence and ethical values, he rushed backstage to ensure the set-up was free of any plastics.
On his Life’s A Beach podcast, he explained: “Guess who came to see my Sweden show? Greta Thunberg! They said, ‘can she come backstage?’ I said, ‘hide those plastic bottles’.”
He joked: “Honestly I was like, my gorilla hand ashtray, I put it straight in the bin. How sweet is that though?”