BBC viewers make same remark minutes into Idris Elba's knife crime documentary

The new BBC documentary Idris Elba: Our Knife Crisis garnered high praise from viewers, who applauded the renowned actor for his role in addressing such a critical issue.

At 52, the Hackney-born star has been actively involved in the campaign against knife violence throughout the UK. The programme, which was broadcast on BBC One last Wednesday evening (January 29), saw Idris delve into the underlying causes of the knife crime epidemic and explore why young people continue to feel the need to carry weapons that inflict harm.

Idris met with various individuals in his quest to understand how knife-related violence could be eradicated, bringing attention to the troubling trend of expelled schoolchildren falling into destructive cycles that can lead to violence.

Fans praised Idris' commitment minutes into the show as he explored various measures to halt this burgeoning crisis, facing the issue squarely. Admirers took to social media platform X to express their views on the documentary, reports the Mirror.

One fan commented: "Massive respect to Idris Elba for making this documentary highlighting different aspects on this issue."

Another viewer remarked: "The country has a real problem with knife crime. Interesting viewing with Idris Elba tonight. Some great initiatives that are helping change this country's youngsters path in life. Come on @Keir_Starmer back funding them, better than paying £120k a year to put them behind bars."

A third viewer chimed in: "Idris Elba's documentary about UK knife crime is a much-needed insight and conversation. We need more of this and funding to help our young people into different pathways to better opportunities and life goals. They deserve. Idris - you're a leader."

Another viewer was deeply moved by the tragic story of a mother who lost her son to knife crime due to mistaken identity.

The shocked viewer expressed: "Wow this knife crime documentary talking about them teenagers who stabbed him through the back and into his heart walking to his friends and it was mistaken identity.. that's horrific."

In the documentary, after engaging with young inmates who were apprehended for carrying and using knives, Idris reflected: "I just have a feeling that if someone had intervened, our prisons would have been emptier."

Idris Elba: Our Knife Crime Crisis is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer