Interview with Idris Elba on Idris Elba’s Fight School

Eight people took part in the project which aiirs on the BBC have experienced hardships, with some spending spells in prison like 19-year-old Finlay, from Scotland, or 29-year-old Sophie from Solihull, who was first arrested at age 11. Others are trying to get their lives back on track after traumatic experiences, like 29-year-old Chanika from East London who miscarried a set of twins before her child died shortly after birth.

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19 year-old Naeem told us: “The training was intense which surprised me,” he said. “The first session showed me how hard it was going to be. It also made me realise how unfit I was and I needed to make some changes to my diet. I dreaded the running during the first few weeks, but when I reached the point where I felt healthier, I began to look forward to the morning runs.

Here is what Idris Elba said of Idris Elba’s Fight School

Why did you want to make this tv series for the BBC, and why now?

When I was young I joined a boxing club, and my trainer Joe took me under his wing. It was a real turning point in my life, teaching me discipline and control moving forward.

During my own experience of fighting there was a level of peace I was able to achieve. Boxing requires you to switch off all the noise and focus on the moment, a skill that I believe all people need, especially younger people who need direction.

Looking back at my own experiences, I’m reminded of how powerful boxing can be on disadvantaged young people, giving them a sense of purpose. This was the inspiration behind Fight School.

Tell us what you’ve learnt from this process and what the most challenging elements were.

This was my first time filming something like this, a social experiment of sorts. Taking on the responsibility for these young people’s lives is not something I take lightly, and I wanted to be there for them as much as possible and to make sure that there was an incredible support group of trainers and mentors around them as well.

As the process went on we dealt with our fair share of injuries, and sadly some of our students were not able to stay throughout the duration of the process. Saying goodbye was the hardest part.

What was the biggest highlight filming this series for you?

There were so many, but seeing the students conquer their fear of swimming and being able to jump in the river with them was a highlight. Being able to do something like that with them was a great way to bond. I was so proud of them. That’s an experience they will never forget, and I certainly won’t either.

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Mark Boardman

Mark Boardman is an established showbiz journalist and freelance copywriter whose work has been published in Business Insider, Daily Mail, Bloomberg, MTV, Buzzfeed, and The New York Post, amongst other media. Often spotted on the red carpet at celebrity events and film screenings, Mark is a regular guest on BBC Radio London and in demand for his opinions on media outlets such as Newsweek, Daily Express, and OK! Magazine, as well as Heart radio, Capital FM, LBC, and Radio 2. His TV credits include ITV News, This Morning, BBC News, The One Show, Sky News, GB News, and Channel T4. Mark is a keen traveller having visited 40+ countries, and a devout sports fan who also attends as many gigs as he can across the capital when not rubbing shoulders with the stars. Email Mark@MarkMeets.com