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Idris gets his yams pounded

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Idris Elba. (AP)
Idris Elba. (AP)

A global upsurge of interest in kickboxing is expected as images of British actor Idris Elba do the rounds to promote his new documentary series Idris Elba: Fighter.

Debuting on the Discovery Channel in the UK this week, the three-part series tracks a year in which he takes up professional kickboxing.

The 44-year-old hunk gave up drinking and started living the life of an athlete to test his mental and physical stamina – and his fans on social media say they are most grateful to see his even buffer new bod in sweaty action.

Most significantly, though, Elba’s own fledgling production company, Green Door, was one of the producers of the project.

It’s clear that 2017 is the year that the man his fans want to see cast as the next James Bond expands his brand and skills.

Aside from starring in a bunch of films coming out this year (a film version of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower novels and Thor: Ragnarok among them), Elba is also directing his debut feature, Yardie, about a young Jamaican drug dealer.

In Fighter, viewers will be amazed by the extent Elba goes to in the ring against professional fighters, taking a pummeling in between working with some of the best trainers in the world.

The series was shot in the UK, Cuba, Japan, Thailand – and even in South Africa.

Trading deadly charm for deadly blows seems to come naturally to him and despite two slipped discs early on and concerns that he’d have his face damaged in battle, no one in the kickboxing world treats him like a star.

For less sporty fans, the series also reveals Elba at home in his apartment and his relationship with his three-year-old son, Winston.

Fans who want even more close-up time with Elba have until February 14 to bid for a Valentine’s Day date with him for the Women Everywhere charity via his website.

In an online video, Elba offers “a candle-lit meal at one of his favourite restaurants” and “whatever your heart desires”. He adds, spicily: “I’ll let you pound my yams.”

Idris Elba: Fighter screens in South Africa from March 6 on Discovery Channel (DStv channel 121)

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