Former soap star and singer Martin Kemp has received backlash after starring in an NHS advert as Father Christmas to urge Brits to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
Watch the advert below:
The advert comes as the government continues to encourage unvaccinated Brits to get vaccinated and as the booster jab programme ramps up following a growth in cases of the new Omicron variant.
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The video sees Martin dressed as Father Christmas and preparing for the festive season by booking the sleigh in for an MOT before the big day, polishing his boots, getting his beard in shape, and getting the jab.
The film is part of the government’s ongoing campaign to remind people of the importance of getting booster and flu jabs to ensure they are protected this festive season.
However dozens of people on social media reacted negatively to the advert, with many of Martin's fans expressing their disappointment seeing him promote the vaccine in the advert.
One person reacted with: "Enough of this propaganda!"
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Another viewer responded to the video, writing: "Ooh I used to like Martin Kemp. How disappointing."
While a third disappointed fan shared: "Martin Kemp, I USED to really like you but after seeing you dressed as Santa and encouraging people to get their jab.......well there's not really much to say to that!!"
And a fourth person said they were 'offended' by the advert. "I’m disgusted. The decision to take the vaccine is not something that should be treated so lightly. I’m finding it very difficult to decide about a booster and I find this offensive tbh."
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A fifth said they "lost all respect for Martin" after seeing him promote the vaccine dressed as Father Christmas.
And some responses were also clearly still disgruntled from the gay Father Christmas from the Norwegian Christmas advert earlier this month. One tweet reacting to Martin’s advert said: “Is he gay in this one”.
Some people had a more positive reaction. One person tweeted after watching the advert: "Great idea to remind everyone to get the vaccination. Well done Uk govt. and nhs."
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the government is expanding the booster programme to all adults over 18, with all those eligible being offered a top-up jab by the end of January, as well as halving the gap between doses to protect more people more quickly.
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Martin stressed the importance of getting of getting the covid jab and a booster this Christmas. "I can’t stress enough how important it is to tick your Covid-19 booster or flu jab off your ‘to do’ list this festive season, among all your other preparations, to ensure that you can enjoy Christmas with your loved ones," he said.
“It’s quick and easy and will keep us all protected as best as possible this winter. Now go book your jabs – Father Christmas said so!”
Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup said: “More than 20 million people have already had their booster jab, securing the vital protection they need to enjoy Christmas safely.
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“I am delighted to see Martin Kemp play his part, encouraging others to do their bit in this national mission. It’s never too late to get your first and second dose - I encourage everybody to come forward to protect yourself and those around you.”
You can find out more information about the safety Covid-19 vaccination and booster jabs on the NHS website here.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) also offers answers to questions surrounding the safety of Covid-19 vaccines. Visit their website here.
Featured Image Credit: FreudsTopics: News, Celebrity, Christmas, Coronavirus