Idris Elba has revealed how he had to get over his acrophobia for a new TV show.

The Luther star had to fulfil challenges such as rally car racing, aerobatics and drag racing for Discovery’s Idris Elba: No Limits, and admitted that the aerobatics were the hardest task.

Actor Idris Elba conquers fear of heights for TV show

Idris Elba got scared about the aerobatics (Discovery Communications)

“The biggest struggle for me is dealing with my fear of heights. Comfort zone-wise, this is pushing my fear factor to the limit,” the actor said.

Idris, who will reprise his role as maverick detective John Luther in the BBC crime drama for a TV special later this year, enjoyed the driving challenges.

Idris Elba took part in the Circuit of Ireland Rally (Charles McQuillan/PA)

“Driving is what I like to do – it’s on the ground! Rally driving was always on the TV back in the day when I was kid,” he recalled.

“My dad worked at Ford and he used to bring home old steering wheels and I used to have them on my lap pretending to be a rally driver.”

Idris also enjoyed drag racing, saying: “I’d never felt anything like that in my life. I thought we were going towards the sky, it was that intense!

“And then it was eight seconds of just the most intense power – I’ve never had power that intense in my life. It’s incredible. I was genuinely scared.”

Idris Elba: No Limits airs exclusively on Discovery Channel on July 6 at 9pm.

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