Veteran actor Ian McKellen, 81, has received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and says he is feeling euphoric about it.

He received the vaccine as part of the UK's priority category. The actor joins other stars in being vaccinated, such as Prue Leith, Lionel Blair and Michael Whitehall. After getting the vaccine, McKellen said, "It's a special day, I feel euphoric! Anyone who has lived as long as I have, is alive because they have had previous vaccinations.