This article titled “Idris Elba to change gear for second Discovery series” was written by Tara Conlan, for theguardian.com on Wednesday 26th August 2015 13.21 UTCTV network Discovery is planning to make a new series with Idris Elba following the success of his show No Limits.
The series featured the actor competing in drag racing, power boating and aerobatic flying events, as well as an attempt on the land speed record.
Speaking at the Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, Discovery Networks International executive vice-president Phil Craig said: “We’re developing another series with Idris, a similar show to No Limits.”
However, he added it was “not necessarily about cars, it’s about what drives him … a different sort of challenge … something he personally cares about.”
Elba previously fronted BBC2 documentary King of Speed, in which he explored how motor racing has evolved on the track and on the street.
Craig unveiled a number of new Discovery shows including Free Ride, a series in which survivalist Rob Greenfield treks across South America with no money and Driving Wild, during which Formula One mechanic Marc Priestley uses his skill to customise enthusiasts’ cars.
Also due to air next year is Question Everything, a science show presented by YouTube star Dr Derek Miller and First Heartbeat, a documentary about miscarriages.
In June, Discovery – which owns Eurosport – won the rights to the Olympics from 2022 onwards.
Craig said Discovery is planning to make some factual shows around the event but a deal has not yet been signed with the BBC to sub-license some of the live coverage.
The £920m exclusive pan-European deal was a blow to the BBC, whic covered the Olympics for years.
“I do expect us to be expanding in that area,” said Craig who explained that he understood that part of the deal included getting access to archive Olympic material.
“I would like to see us making factual content to support Eurosport and that may end up going on Eurosport,” he added.
After Discovery won the Olympics rights, its chief executive, David Zaslav, told the Guardian that it would negotiate with the BBC and other free-to-air broadcasters in the UK, France and Germany over potentially sub-licensing some of the rights.
Craig said nothing has been decided yet, adding that he did not know whether it will be with the BBC: “I assume the BBC will be competing but it’s not settled.”
When asked if ITV might be in the frame, he said could not say.
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