Sir Ian McKellen has received his first shot of the breakthrough coronavirus vaccine through the NHS.
Last week the UK became the first country in the world to start administering the two-dose vaccine against the deadly disease, which has claimed more than 1.6 million lives worldwide to date.
Members of the population aged 80 and over, as well as frontline medical staff, are front of the queue for the jabs - and national treasure McKellen, 81, was called up for his turn on Wednesday.
"It's a very special day, I feel euphoric," he said afterwards. "Anyone who has lived as long as I have is alive because they have had previous vaccination.
"The take up amongst the older generation will be 100% – it ought to be, because you're having it not just for yourself, but for people who you are close to. You're doing your bit for society.
"Of course, it's painless... it's convenient and getting in touch and meeting NHS staff, and saying thank you to them for how hard they've been working, is a bonus.
"I would have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone. I feel very lucky to have had the vaccine."
More than 137,000 people were given the vaccine in the first week of deployment, with that number expected to rise into the millions early in 2021.
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