Idris Elba is reportedly involved in a consortium which is planning a £1 billion bid for Channel 4.
The government is pressing ahead with plans to privatise the broadcaster, which is publicly owned but funded through advertising, over the course of the next 18 to 24 months.
A number of major players have already registered their interest, including ITV, Sky owner Comcast, Channel 5 owner Paramount, French firm Vivendi and Warner Bros Discovery.
According to The Sunday Times, Luther star Elba, 49, is in talks with media entrepreneur Marc Boyan about teaming up for an ambitious takeover bid.
The level of the actor's involvement is unclear - including whether he would make any financial contribution to the takeover, or whether he would merely act as a figurehead for the bid as a respected figure in the industry.
Culture secretary Nadine Dorries plans to introduce her Media Bill, which includes the C4 sale proposals, for first reading in July before parliament goes on its summer recess.
Neil Wilkes
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