Entertainment
Idris Elba ‘in talks to buy Channel 4 in £1,000,000,000 bid’ amid privatisation changes-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro
Idris is reportedly eyeing up Channel 4.
Idris Elba is reportedly considering a bid for the network (Picture: WireImage)
Idris Elba is ‘in talks’ to support a £1,000,000,000 bid for Channel 4 according to reports.
The 49-year-old actor is believed to be in discussions with entrepreneur Marc Boyan, who founded the international marketing firm Miroma Group.
According to the Sunday Times, Idris’ possible venture comes after the government’s controversial decision to privatise the corporation, with the move being announced on Tuesday April 5.
It’s said this is in order to secure long-term funding for Channel 4 as streaming giants – such as Amazon Prime and Netflix – continue to grow in popularity.
Before becoming a household name, the Luther star made numerous appearances on British TV shows, including Channel 5 soap Family Affairs, and he previously confessed that the experience remains close to his heart.
‘At the time Channel 5 didn’t have lots of viewers,’ he explained.
The actor starred in several British TV shows before he turned into a Hollywood mega star (Picture: BBC)
Plans to privatise the network were discussed in April this year (Picture: Getty)
‘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.’
Following the shocking decision, politician Nadine Dorries wrote that former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher – who set up Channel 4 in 1982 – had ultimately wanted it to be ‘free from the constraints of the state’ and described opposition to the move as ‘lazy, overwrought and ill-informed rhetoric from the Leftie luvvie lynch mob’.
A Channel 4 statement called the plans ‘disappointing’ as it noted: ‘With over 60,000 submissions to the Government’s public consultation, it is disappointing that today’s announcement has been made without formally recognising the significant public interest concerns which have been raised.
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‘Channel 4 has engaged in good faith with the Government throughout the consultation process, demonstrating how it can continue to commission much-loved programmes from the independent sector across the UK that represent and celebrate every aspect of British life as well as increase its contribution to society, while maintaining ownership by the public.’
Metro.co.uk has reached out to Idris Elba, the Miroma Group and Channel 4 for comment.
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