'Pound my yams': Actor Idris Elba auctions off a date with himself

Luther and The Wire actor Idris Elba has offered fans a chance to "pound his yams" during a date with him to raise money for an African charity.

The British star of west African origin, who was once touted as the next James Bond, is offering a fan and their guest a chance to share a meal with him at his undisclosed favourite restaurant. 

"Hi there. Idris Elba here. I'd like you to be my Valentine. That's right love, just you and me, no one else around, just us," Elba said in a online video while quaffing champagne.

"Once we're feeling comfortable, we can order whatever your heart desires.

"Maybe some truffles, perhaps some steak. Pepper soup and fufu. That's an African dish and you pound the yams. And you know what? I'll let you pound my yams.

"And for dessert, you can have whatever you want, and I mean whatever you want."

Bidding on the Omaze website ends on February 14 - Valentine's Day - with the proceeds going to the W.E Can Lead charity, which works to empower and educate girls in Africa.

With AFP.