Christopher Eccleston asks fans to help 'unlock his legs' live from the London Marathon
Christopher Eccleston was one of the many famous folk raising money for charitable causes at the London Marathon today (April 21), and he gave his Instagram fans a charming update live from the runners' circuit.
Celebrated for his on-screen turns in Doctor Who, 28 Days Later, The Leftovers and most recently the fourth season of True Detective - subtitled Night Country - the Salford-born actor was taking part in the annual event simultaneously on behalf of The Big Issue and to mark his 60th year.
Read more: Christopher Eccleston says white, straight, middle-aged men are 'new pariahs'
Speaking to his social media followers, Eccleston said in a video as he ploughed ever closer to the finish line: "Hello everybody, I don't know what mile I'm at 'cause I've stopped looking, 'cause I don't wanna know.
"My legs are like, starting to lock up, but the link is in the bio if you'd like to sponsor me for The Big Issue; trying to get people off the streets into homes and out of poverty, and maybe that'll unlock my legs. Thank you to everybody who's sponsored me so far; inspiring day, amazing people running... unfortunately all of them are passing me."
Among the other celebrities fighting cramp at the marathon were A Place in the Sun host Laura Hamilton, The Masked Singer's Joel Dommett, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin, Luther's Ruth Wilson, and EastEnders duo Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick, who utilised their 26.2 mile run for scenes set to air in the BBC soap at a later date.
Read more: Adele Roberts says Deborah James was in her heart as she set London Marathon record
However, former BBC Radio 1 star Adele Roberts was arguably the biggest story of the day, completing the marathon in just 3 hours and 30 minutes. This time made Roberts the fastest woman in London Marathon history to run the course with a stoma bag, having been fitted with one after bowel cancer surgery.
"This is the best thing I could've ever done. The crowds were the best: they just didn't stop cheering! 18 months ago, when I got the bowel cancer diagnosis, the NHS removed it, and I now have a stoma," she said of her achievement.
"And after 12 months of chemo, I am a testament to the NHS and friends and family who got me through this. I never imagined I would be a London Marathon finisher. I am so proud of my medal! I've called my stoma Audrey, and she ran really fast today, and set a PB!"
Watch:London Marathon 2024: Kenya's Munyao wins as British runner Cairess makes podium in third
