Idris Elba is usually busy at work for the screen or stage, but the handsome actor recently took time out of his hectic schedule to embark on an epic 750-mile road trip from London to Berlin. The journey, which took him across four countries in three days in wintry conditions, was as part of a new campaign for luxury car brand Jaguar.
The star – who famously portrayed Nelson Mandela in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – began the adventure in London at the National Youth Music Theatre and finished in Berlin at a special Jaguar launch party at trendy club Umspannwerk, where the talented 42-year-old took to the decks as DJ for the night.
Speaking of the road trip, which has been documented in a range of short films, the in-demand actor explained that his career leaves him little time to indulge in his passion for driving.
"My work takes me around the world, but I rarely have the time or luxury of getting behind the wheel for myself," he said. "I wanted to do this trip and record the experience through a series of short films."
The journey wasn't all behind the wheel, though. One pit-stop saw the actor take a break at the snow-laden Spa Franchochamps circuit in Belgium, where former British Formula One driver Martin Brundle offered some welcome driving tips for the trek ahead.
Back at home, there's no doubt that Idris has hit the ground running – the busy year ahead will see him return to his starring role in BBC drama Luther, a portrayal that has already earned him a Golden Globe award. Speculation has also been growing that the star is set to become the next James Bond, a role which would once again see him in the driving seat of a luxury car.