After being forced to withdraw from the London Marathon, EastEnders legend Jake Wood expressed his “gutted” disappointment.
Despite his sad health news, his EastEnders co-stars Jake Wood stand behind him
Just hours before he was set to take on the challenge in honor of Barbara Windsor, the actor best known for playing Max Branning on the BBC One serial shared a health update with fans.
After the passing of Peggy Mitchell, he planned to run the marathon to benefit dementia charities.
Jake Wood is “gutted” that he will not be able to run in the London Marathon with Babs’ Army owing to medical advice.
“Unfortunately, I’ll be unable to run the London Marathon [on] Sunday due to medical advice” Jake said in a video posted to Instagram on Friday (April 21).
“I’ve got a very bad chest infection, I’ve had it for the last couple of weeks. I’ve been told in no uncertain terms to not run.”
As he continued, he said, “I’m gutted to not be running it with all my fellow Babs’ Army, raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.”
“I’ll be really sad to not be with them on the day.”
Jake received the following Instagram post from Scott Mitchell, Barbara’s husband: “Jake you have been a warrior all through training!”
“We are so sorry to lose you from the team!! Your health comes first but just fitted for you! Thanks for all you have done this far! Love you mate!”
Adam Woodyatt, who played Ian Beale, said, “Gutted for you Bud. Tough decision but the right one.”
Tanya Branning, played by Jo Joyner, Max’s onscreen wife, stated, “Gutted for you hun, I know how hard you’ve all worked for it. But best you get well again xx.”
Tanya Franks, who played Rainie Cross’s wife, said, “Jake we will miss you massively, and know that we all love you and are wishing you well!!!”
The soap’s Honey Mitchell, portrayed by Emma Barton, concurred, writing, “Oh Jake!! Get well soon matey.. gutted for you.. but you have to look after yourself.. loves ya.”
Her late husband Scott, fellow EastEnders star Lacey Turner, and actress Natalie Cassidy were all scheduled to run with Jake.
The members of Babs’ Army have been documenting their pre-marathon training runs on Instagram.
Soap legend Babs (she was nicknamed “Babs”) became a fan favorite on British television after playing plump blonde Peggy Mitchell in a successful soap opera. “Her passing was from Alzheimer’s/dementia and Barbara eventually died peacefully and I spent the last seven days by her side,” as Scott explained.
Jake had already mentioned before the announcement that the celebrities all knew and loved Barbara and thought the marathon would be a great way to honor her.
In his interview with the Mirror, Jake elaborated, “She ruled the roost on set but was just so gracious and welcoming with it.”
“Myself, her family and friends will remember Barbara with love, a smile and affection for the many years of her love, fun, friendship and brightness she brought to all our lives and the entertainment she gave to so many thousands of others during her career.
“Barbara’s final weeks were typical of how she lived her life. Full of humour, drama and a fighting spirit until the end. It was not the ending that Barbara or anyone else living with this very cruel disease deserve.”
