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Idris Elba to explore knife crime in new BBC doc

Actor Idris Elbalooking downwards in a street
Idris Elba, image credit Alex Piper

Elba had access to those involved in all areas of the crisis, including perpetrators in Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution

Idris Elba will explore the reality of knife crime and potential solutions in a new BBC One documentary that has the working title Idris Elba: A Year of Knife Crime.

Elba will meet young offenders, grieving families, the police and youth workers to try to analyse why there has been an upward trend in knife crime. The doc will also show his meetings with the Prime Minister and King Charles.

Elba said: “So many people dismiss knife crime as something that doesn’t affect them, assuming it’s a black and brown urban and gang-related problem – but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

“White, middle class and rural areas are also affected, perpetrators are getting younger and fear is spreading. I hope our film goes some way towards changing these stereotypes and getting everyone to engage with one of the biggest challenges of our time. For me, it’s been a tough year – but I’m hopeful.”

Petterle added: “This film is an opportunity to understand knife crime from the inside, through those who live and breathe its reality every day, including perpetrators at Feltham Prison and Young Offender Institution. You don’t often get that kind of access.”

22Summers, the production company founded by Elba and Diene Petterle, is producing the 1 x 60’. It is exec produced by Petterle with Nina Davies. The producer is Leanne Hayman and the director is Ben Steele.

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