Sir Ian McKellen is feeling “euphoric” after receiving the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
The Lord of the Rings star was photographed having the jab administered by a medic at Queen Mary's University Hospital in London on Wednesday.
"It's a very special day, I feel euphoric,” said the Oscar nominee, 81.
"Anyone who has lived as long as I have is alive because they have had previous vaccinations. The take-up amongst the older generation will be 100 per cent – 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."
The stage and screen veteran added that the vaccine was "painless".
"Getting in touch and meeting NHS staff and saying thank you to them for how hard they've been working is a bonus. I feel very lucky to have had the vaccine."
The UK was one of the first western countries to roll out the Pfizer / BioNtech vaccine earlier this month. McKellen was part of the UK’s priority category for those over the age of 80.
He joins other stars such as The Great British Bake Off's Prue Leith, actor Lionel Blair and producer and TV personality Michael Whitehall in receiving the vaccine.
McKellen has to return for a booster jab in 21 days to ensure the best chance of being protected against the virus.
