Sir Elton John and Sir Lenny Henry star in NHS advert urging more people to get their Covid jab

A new NHS advert featuring famous faces from TV, film and music is urging more people get their Covid jab.

Singer Sir Elton John, comedian Sir Lenny Henry and model Liz Hurley are among those staring in the video.

It shows them tackling common myths about the vaccine, including its ingredients and impact on fertility.

More than nine in ten over-45s in England have now received at least one dose and a quarter of all adults are fully vaccinated.

NHS England said 120,000 people booked an appointment before 9am yesterday, as bookings opened to all over-40s.

Officials hope the two-minute clip – shared on social media – will help keep the momentum going.

It shows the stars appearing to audition for a role in a public information film about the vaccine and is the second video to be commissioned by Professor Lord Ara Darzi.

It opens with Sir Lenny saying: ‘People in the black, Asian, ethnic and minority community are 20 per cent less likely to take up the vaccine.’ Lydia West, from hit drama It’s a Sin, addresses some concerns, saying: “It doesn’t contain pork, or any material of animal origin.”

And she adds: ‘There is no evidence that it effects fertility.’ Doctor Foster actor Navin Chowdhry continues: ‘There is no scientific evidence to say that the vaccine is any less effective in people from ethnic and minority backgrounds.’

Later in the video, David Walliams calls on everyone to come forward when called, saying: ‘It’s really important that people of all ages get the jab.’ Liz Hurley tells viewers: ‘Roll-up your sleeve, it’s not just your own life you’ll be saving.’ And as it draws to a close Sir Elton takes up his offer.

The first film also featured Sir Elton, alongside Sir Michael Caine. The video hopes to increase uptake, particularly among ethnic minorities.

Pop-up clinics in places of worship have helped to triple uptake among this group since February, outpacing the national average.

Lydia West said: ‘It’s a frightening time for everyone right now, with people scared about getting Covid, worrying about the future and fearing for their loved ones.

‘So, it’s understandable that people might be worried about vaccines too.

‘But I hope that through this campaign, we can show people that getting vaccinated is not something to be scared of.’ Dr Nikki Kanani, a GP and national medical director for primary care at NHS England, thanked the stars for their ‘wonderful support’.

She added: ‘Our drive to increase uptake is continuing and this backing from such an incredible line up of stars will go a long way in helping us reassure communities that the vaccine is safe, simple and effective.’ Professor Lord Darzi said: ‘Vaccines offer us the best chance of returning to normal life, and we are very fortunate to have a growing number of highly safe and effective vaccines that are already being shown to cut deaths and hospitalisations from the virus.

‘But we know that some people, particularly younger generations and ethnic minorities, have worries that may stop them from taking the vaccine when offered.

‘We must listen to the concerns people are voicing and with this campaign we hope to offer reassurance and show how important it is to get vaccinated, so that we can bring closer the end to this devastating pandemic.’ The Government said 48,748,962 jabs have now been given in the UK, of which 34,216,087 were first doses – a rise of 122,039 on the previous day.

Some 14,532,875 were second doses, an increase of 488,914.