Elton John and Michael Caine go head to head in NHS video promoting coronavirus vaccine

Trailer is part of NHS campaign to encourage the public to get vaccinated

Elton John and Michael Caine have starred in an NHS advert encouraging the public to get the coronavirus vaccine.

The video, which was released on Wednesday (10 February), comes as the NHS urges anyone in the high-priority 70 and above age group who has not yet received the vaccine to come forward and be vaccinated.

Styled as an audition to see who will star in the official advert, the video shows John being told that he needs to be a “little less” and a “little more” showbiz as he introduces himself.

“The more people in society that get vaccinated, the more chance there is of eradicating the national Covid pandemic,” John explains. “It’s really important to know that the vaccines have all been through and met the necessary safety and quality standards.”

He’s then asked to pretend that he’s just had the vaccine on camera, with John singing: “As you can see, I’m still standing.”

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With the voice behind the camera clearly unimpressed by John’s acting skills, the “Rocket Man” singer warns him: “At this short notice, you won’t find anyone bigger”.

The next clip shows Michael Caine receiving the vaccine on camera, as the actor explains: “Hello, my name is Michael Caine. I’ve just had a vaccine for Covid. It didn’t hurt, not many people know that.”

As the audition cuts, the crew praise Caine, while one voice can be heard saying: "Let the little fella know he didn’t get the job”.

The trailer was widely shared on social media, with one commenter writing: “I didn’t think it was possible to love Elton John more than I already did.”

“Elton John is a national treasure. Absolutely love his new commercial for the NHS,” another tweet read.