As if it wasn’t enough being one of the downright coolest actors and musicians on Earth, Idris Elba has given the world yet another reason to love him: he’s just broken the British land speed record!

The 42 year old actor broke the record for the fastest average speed over one mile, which had been held for 88 years by Sir Malcolm Campbell. Elba achieved an average speed of 180.361 miles per hour at Pendine Sands in South Wales, exceeding that of 174.8mph set by Campbell back in 1927.

Idris ElbaIdris Elba: actor, musician, land speed record holder

The record was confirmed by the UK Timing Association, the BBC reported. Elba was driving a Bentley Continental GT Speed while filming for a new TV series when he made the attempt, whereas Campbell achieved his long-standing record in his own Napier-Campbell Blue Bird.

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‘The Wire’ star said afterwards: “I'm absolutely elated to have broken the flying mile at Pendine Sands. It's an honour to have taken on the challenge and to successfully follow in the footsteps of the illustrious Sir Malcolm Campbell.”

Elba has been making a new TV series for the Discovery Channel, a four part show called ‘Idris Elba: No Limits’. He’s got previous experience at trying his hand at extreme motor sports, such as rally driving and drag racing.

Also the star of popular shows like ‘Luther’, movies such as Thor, Prometheus, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Elba is one of the most sought-after actors in show business. Recently, pundits have speculatively linked him to a portrayal of James Bond after Daniel Craig retires as 007.

The basis for this was a leaked e-mail from Sony at the end of last year, but Elba himself has repeatedly poured cold water on the idea, even claiming that the fact that so many people were talking about it meant that it wouldn’t happen. Speaking to the British Film Institute last month, he said: “Honestly, it's a rumor that's really starting to eat itself. If there was ever any chance of me getting Bond, it's gone.”

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