TV stars among Marathon runners

A host of reality TV stars and soap actors were among those who took part in this year's London Marathon, raising money for a variety of good causes.

Among those leading the way were former TOWIE star turned Celebrity Big Brother housemate Amy Childs, opera singer Katherine Jenkins and former Strictly Come Dancing champion Harry Judd. 

Hollyoaks actors James Atherton and Tom Scurr were also among those who lined up at the starting line, along with co-star Nikki Sanderson, Emmerdale actors Alicia Eyo and Tony Audenshaw, and Masterchef's Michel Roux.

And those taking part were hoping to help a string of charities, with Amy Childs running for the British Heart Foundation, Harry Judd racing to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and Katherine Jenkins taking part in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care.

This year's race began with a 30-second silence for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings last week - while many of the runners, including the celebrities, wore black ribbons as a mark of respect.

Amy admitted at the start to having pre-race nerves - but added she was really excited to be taking part.

“I got all my girls from my salon cheering me on - and all the TOWIE lads are supporting me," she told local website London 24.

The celebrities also won support from elsewhere, with Emma Bunton and Philip Schofield among those tweeting their good wishes to the participants.

"Watching the start of the #londonmarathon always makes me emotional. I salute you all!" Emma said on her Twitter page, while Philip added: "Good luck to all those running the London Marathon today."