Celebrities say thanks to our NHS superstars

Over the past few months, few things have united the nation like our admiration for the NHS and the bravery of its staff.

So, no wonder a lot of people have wanted to thank them, and not just for the sacrifices they have made during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Comedian, writer and former doctor Adam Kay recently compiled the book Dear NHS, which featured accounts from a range of celebrities about their own experiences with the health service, dealing with everything from childbirth to the death of a loved one.

Kay told Sylist: “They are such personal details, and I’m so humbled and grateful that these brilliant people have opened up. Because the point is that it doesn’t matter how big, famous and successful you are: you’re just a person who relies on the NHS in the same way that you and I do.”

Now, his book has inspired the BBC special Dear NHS Superstars, in which more famous faces talk about the doctors, nurses, midwives, porters and others who have helped them during their lives.

Kay says: “I’m thrilled to be (the least famous) part of Dear NHS Superstars. It’s a joyous celebration of our greatest achievement as a nation, a huge and heartfelt thank you to the 1.5 million people we all owe our lives to, and a harrowing demonstration of what closing hairdressers for three months does to the hair of celebrities.”

Among the stars sharing their experiences and showing off their lockdown barnets are presenter Amanda Holden, dancers AJ and Curtis Pritchard, comedians Lenny Henry, Jo Brand, Jack Whitehall, Phil Wang, Rosie Jones and Kevin Bridges and former Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

We’ll also hear from Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, actor Adrian Lester, presenters Victoria Derbyshire, Katie Piper, Alex Brooker and Konnie Huq, comedian and ‘Chaser’ Paul Sinha, and former Bake Off hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc.

That’s an impressive line-up and while Kay may not be entirely wrong when he says he’s the least famous person taking part, he’s also definitely a star on the rise.

A former obstetrician and gynaecologist, he’s contributed to shows including Mrs Brown’s Boys and the sitcom Crims. However, he’s probably best known for his book This Is Going to Hurt, based on diaries from his medical training.

Although praised for its humour, the book also explores some of the challenges facing the NHS and the difficulties of being a doctor. It certainly struck a chord with the public – it became a bestseller. The book will also soon be turned into a TV series, starring Ben ‘Paddington’ Whishaw as Kay.

The author said: “Junior doctors tend to have a rather quiet voice compared to the politicians, which is understandable – you don’t have much spare time if you’re working 100-hour weeks. It’s been a huge privilege to have my diaries reach so many readers and it’s been absolutely humbling to see their reaction.”

But for now he’s putting the spotlight back on some of his former NHS colleagues, as he and the celebrities pay tribute.

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