Luther star Idris Elba is going to get behind the wheel of some the world's fastest cars in a new two-part documentary.

The actor, who made his name in US crime drama The Wire, will present two hour-long shows with the working title Idris Elba: King Of Speed.

He will travel the world looking at the history of motor racing for the BBC2 show.

The channel will also show a nature documentary, presented by Kate Humble and Simon King, that sees 100 cameras follow the wildlife along the Luangwa River in Zambia as the dry season ends and the rains come.

Private Eye editor Ian Hislop will present a three-part look at the British obsession with history and Fern Britton will challenge nine pairs of gardeners to grow their own fruit and veg on an Oxfordshire allotment before their work is judged in a country show-style competition.

There will also be a three-part series about cats and historian Andrew Roberts will examine the life of Napoleon Bonaparte.