Masked Singer host Joel Dommett revealed he collapsed during the London Marathon and woke up in the back of an ambulance – but, in true determined spirit, he still managed to finish the gruelling race.
The 39-year-old TV star took part in Sunday’s 26.2-mile event for the second year running.
However, he suffered a scare at mile 17 when he fainted unexpectedly.
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Joel Dommett faints during London Marathon
Sharing an update with fans, Joel posted a selfie from inside the ambulance.
“Not the race I expected!” he wrote on Instagram. “I fainted at mile 17. Don’t really remember much, but I woke up in an ambulance! Thanks to Frankie and Barry for being amazing.”
Despite the terrifying moment, Joel was determined not to let it defeat him.
“I really wanted to finish it,” he continued. “After a few hours my pulse was back and I got going again at a very different pace but really got to soak it all in. Proud of myself for finishing.”
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‘My dadda is faster than your dadda’
Joel, who was supported by his wife Hannah Cooper and their little boy Wilde, shared a touching series of snaps showing his family cheering him on, including Wilde’s “Marathon kit” laid out at home.
In a heartfelt message, Joel praised his wife.
“This is a soppy one but thanks to @hannah_cooper_ for being the best. She was dealing with a child and a broken husband today.”
The second slide in the image featured a picture of Wilde and Joel with a sign that read: “My dadda is faster than your dadda.”
In the comments, Joel quipped: “Edit* today I was not faster than your dadda.”
Fans react
Meanwhile, celebrity friends rushed to congratulate Joel on his incredible perseverance.
“What a guy!” Singer Olly Murs gushed. “For stepping back up and finishing it!! What a legend!”
“Well done JD. Fantastic effort! X” Ant and Dec added.
“What a challenge and awesome you got back up and finished!!” This Morning host Ben Shephard chimed in.
Cat Deeley also echoed the love, saying: “Seriously!!! A massive accomplishment! Eye of The Tiger my friend.”
Fans also sent words of support.
“Fantastic achievement for finishing Joel! Well done!” one congratulated the star. “Glad you’re okay…was tracking you and did worry when you just stopped,” another commented.
A third added: “Finish lines not finish times. Was hot out there today. Massive well done for carrying on and finishing!”
Joel shares finishing update
Joel even posted his London Marathon stats to his Instagram Stories – humorously noting the tracking app stopped midway.
“It was a good half a race,” he joked. “Not sure what happened to the second half. I think the app assumed I left.”
The London Marathon is one of the biggest events on the global running calendar.
Celebs including Harry Judd, Joe Wicks, Alexandra Burke, and Kelly Brook also tackled the famous course this year.
Read more: Joel Dommett forced to apologise after baffling comments on The One Show as hosts unimpressed
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