Idris Elba is ‘honoured’ to interview Paul McCartney and is a ‘massive fan’

Idris Elba gushed that he is a ‘massive fan’ of music legend Paul McCartney as it is revealed that he will interview the star in an exclusive BBC One special next month.

The Luther star, 48, said he is ‘honoured’ to be interviewing the musician, 78, quipping that he initially ‘thought it was a joke’ when he was asked if he wanted to speak with Paul.

The actor will film his chat with The Beatle in the coming weeks for the 60-minute show, Idris Elba meets Paul McCartney, which will air on BBC One in December.

No 1 fan: Idris Elba has gushed that he is a ‘massive fan’ of music legend Paul McCartney as it is revealed that he will interview the star for an exclusive BBC One entertainment special

Idris, who is a rapper and singer himself, said that he is ‘shocked’ to have been given the chance to ‘share the stage’ with Paul, adding that he cannot wait to interview the star.

He continued: ‘When I was asked if I wanted to speak to Paul McCartney, after I realised it wasn’t a joke, I immediately said yes…. who wouldn’t?! 

‘I am a massive fan of Paul’s! His work has inspired and driven me as a musician, and once I get through the shock of sharing the stage with him, I’m excited to talk about his music and craft. 

‘What an honour! Looking forward to sitting with you Paul.’

Chat: The Luther star, 48, said he is 'honoured' to be interviewing the musician, 78, quipping that he initially 'thought it was a joke' when he was asked if he wanted to speak with Paul

Chat: The Luther star, 48, said he is ‘honoured’ to be interviewing the musician, 78, quipping that he initially ‘thought it was a joke’ when he was asked if he wanted to speak with Paul

The interview will see Idris chat to Paul about his six-decade spanning career, which began when he penned his first song at age 14 before joining the world’s biggest band. 

And Paul will not only discuss his record-breaking music career, but also his long-anticipated solo album McCartney III, which concludes his trilogy collection.

His 26th post-Beatles album, which is set to be released on December 11, sees Paul play every instrument, as well as impressively writing and recording every single song himself.

The Let It Be hitmaker has revealed that he is equally as thrilled as the excited actor for his upcoming hour-long special.

He said: ‘I’m looking forward to sitting down to a chat with the mighty Idris!’ 

Secret gig: The BBC special will also broadcast the Hey Jude hitmaker's secret gig at the Cavern Club, which saw Paul perform to just 250 lucky fans on the replica stage in 2018

Secret gig: The BBC special will also broadcast the Hey Jude hitmaker’s secret gig at the Cavern Club, which saw Paul perform to just 250 lucky fans on the replica stage in 2018

The show will also broadcast the Hey Jude songwriter’s secret gig at the Cavern Club, which saw Paul perform to just 250 lucky fans on the replica stage in 2018.

The legendary Liverpool venue hosted The Beatles almost 300 times between 1961 and 1963, and Paul returned to the club for a secret gig almost 50 years later. 

The famous performance will air on BBC One, giving dedicated fans the chance to see Paul once again perform his well-loved hits, including Lady Madonna and I Saw Her Standing There.

Speaking about the special, BBC One’s acting controller Kate Phillips said: ‘Paul McCartney has undoubtedly created some of the UK’s best loved songs, songs which are known throughout the world, so I’m thrilled that he’ll lift the lid on how he continues to create lyrics and music that will forever stand the test of time. 

Legendary: The Liverpool venue hosted The Beatles almost 300 times between 1961 and 1963 (pictured at the Cavern Club in 1961), and Paul returned to the club almost 50 years later

Legendary: The Liverpool venue hosted The Beatles almost 300 times between 1961 and 1963 (pictured at the Cavern Club in 1961), and Paul returned to the club almost 50 years later

‘The must see combination of Paul in conversation with one of our best loved actors and super fan, Idris Elba, as well as an incredible live performance from the Cavern, are the perfect Christmas presents for BBC audiences.’

Paul has sold more than 100million solo singles and over 700million albums worldwide, winning more than 70 major global awards, including 18 Grammys. 

The BBC have insisted that the interview will be filmed and recorded in London in adherence to the current Covid-19 Government regulations.

Idris Elba meets Paul McCartney will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in December, and on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. 

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