South Yorkshire TV stars Michael Parkinson and Michael Palin back Covid vaccine

A host of star names from the world of television and music have given their backing to the Covid-19 jab which is set to be rolled out in the UK next week.

The stars have given the vaccine their backing amid a series of unfounded claims from anti-vaxxers claiming the jab will alter human DNA or that it is being used by Microsoft boss Bill Gates to install microchips in people so they can be monitored.

Barnsley-born chat show king ‘Parky,’ 85 said: “I’m first in the queue. I have no worries about it whatsoever. I trust British medicine implicitly.”

And Sheffield born Monty Python legend Palin added: “I don’t have any qualms.

“I don’t have any qualms about taking it at all. I’m totally okay with the testing that has been done.”

Other celebs backing the jab include TV anchor Eamonn Holmes, Strictly judge Craig Revel-Horwood, Mastermind host John Humphrys, singer Lulu and rockers Roger Daltrey and Ronnie Wood.

Live Aid hero Sir Bob Geldof, 69, is also behind the jab and said: “I will absolutely and immediately take it as soon as humanly possible.”

Vaccinations are due to begin this week.

The Department of Health and Ministry of Defence confirmed millions of doses made in Belgium will be flown to the UK in military planes to avoid any Brexit chaos at ports.