Izzard calls off run challenge

Eddie Izzard has had to abandon his gruelling challenge to run a marathon each day for 27 days in South Africa due to “medical complications”.

The comedian said he was “very sorry to let everyone down” as he announced the tough journey was on hold.

Izzard had finished four of the 26-mile runs when he was forced to quit his unusual tribute to former South African president Nelson Mandela.

But he said he will return to complete the punishing trip in the future. In an online message to his fans yesterday, he said: “I have had to put my attempt on hold due to unforeseen medical complications.”