News | Entertainment
19 Jan 2026 18:29
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Idris Elba is determined to "make a difference for young people"

    The 53-year-old actor was recently awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours list "for services to young people", following his campaign against knife crime in the UK, and Idris is thrilled that his efforts have been recognised.


    The London-born star told Extra: "I've worked, you know, trying to raise as much awareness about what young people are going through, especially in the UK and other parts of the world.

    "It's a real honour to be recognised for that. Not for my acting work, but, you know, for trying to make a difference for young people."

    Idris has already achieved a lot in his career, but he still has ambitions that he wants to fulfil.

    Asked if he's thinking about retirement, Idris replied: "You naturally retire ... There are things that I've done I don't need to do again and the things I'd like to progress towards; directing is one of them."

    Meanwhile, Idris previously confessed to feeling uncomfortable in the spotlight.

    The actor told Esquire UK magazine: "My public persona is exactly that - it's a public persona.

    "In my personal life, there are things that I'm not great at. Not successful at. That I don't have a grasp of in a way I'd like to. If I like being by myself all the time, what happens when I open the door and loads of people come in? That is a challenge, and that is something I am not very good at.

    "I prefer my own company. I function better on my own. I'm more at ease."

    Idris also explained that he's always "catastrophe-ready".

    The actor admitted that he's always conscious of a "worst-case scenario" whenever he's working.

    He explained: "I'm catastrophe-ready.

    "In the film industry, you always think: worst-case scenario, what would happen if there were an explosion? What would I do? What would happen if this guy walks in and he's kicking off? I'd have to f****** knock him out.

    "They're kind of dark thoughts. But depending on how you decipher what I'm saying, I think there might be readers who will go, 'Yeah, man. I kind of relate.'"

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     19 Jan: Roger Allers, co-director of The Lion King, dies aged 76
     18 Jan: Teddi Mellencamp is "really sick" - months after she revealed her cancer had become "undetectable"
     18 Jan: Ashton Kutcher is "so proud" of his ex-wife Demi Moore in The Substance
     18 Jan: Lo Bosworth has given birth two weeks early
     18 Jan: Chase Infiniti botched Leonardo DiCaprio's beard when she cut it whilst they bonded before shooting One Battle After Another
     18 Jan: A shark has been named after Kelly Clarkson
     18 Jan: Jennifer Lawrence's marriage is kept "alive" with a compromise to her struggle with timekeeping
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Don't be surprised if the coaching nous of Scott Robertson is lured to the UK More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Chocolate products could be in for a shake up - as manufacturers race to develop cocoa alternatives More...



     Today's News

    Business:
    Chocolate products could be in for a shake up - as manufacturers race to develop cocoa alternatives 18:07

    International:
    At least 21 dead after two high-speed trains derailed in Spain 17:57

    International:
    Tensions over Greenland escalate as US threatens tariffs over European troop deployment 17:47

    Lower South Island:
    Tom Sexton has prevailed in a bunch sprint to win the second stage of cycling's Tour of Southland 17:27

    Entertainment:
    Roger Allers, co-director of The Lion King, dies aged 76 17:17

    Health & Safety:
    Any weight loss drug roll out in New Zealand - would need to be done carefully 17:17

    Environment:
    Small Northland communities got the worst of the weekend's flooding, but more is to come 16:57

    Cricket:
    Stand-in captain Michael Bracewell is amazed by the depth the Black Caps are starting to build 16:17

    Rugby:
    Don't be surprised if the coaching nous of Scott Robertson is lured to the UK 15:27

    Business:
    Drug researchers say the collapsing price of methamphetamine has concerning implications 15:07


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd