Banana Army out in force this weekend!

Nicola Wheeler

Watch out for the bright yellow t-shirts making their way from Newcastle to South Shields on Sunday as the famous banana army tackle this year's Great North Run in aid of Leukemia and Lymphoma Research.

Three cast members from Coronation Street, including Craig Gazey, who plays Graeme Proctor, Graeme Hawley, also known as John Stape, and Vicky Binns, who plays Molly Dobbs, will go up against the stars running for Emmerdale - Tony Audenshaw, known as Bob Hope, Tom Lister who plays Carl King, and Nicola Wheeler, who plays, Nicola De Souza.

Big bird, Singing canary or budgie?

We managed to grab Nicola for a 60 second interview amidst her busy schedule:

What inspired you to start running?

I started running to lose weight and get fit.

How dedicated to your running are you?

When I don't run(which is often) I feel guilty. It's funny because the thought of a run is far worse than the actual physical run!

What are your favourite events?

The Great North Run and the London Marathon because of the crowd support. The crowds can turn a bad run into a great one.

We've seen you running in fancy dress. Do you have a favourite outfit?

Myself and Matthew Wolfenden, who plays David Metcalfe dress as chickens. It's hilarious because people can't decide if we're big bird or canaries. We've even had people shouting us on as budgies!

Who are your favourite people to run with?

I love running with anyone who is up for a laugh! Speed is not my goal, smiling annd looking like an idiot is more my style! Matthew Wolfenden is always a giggle. I run for Luekeamia and Lymphoma Researc. Let's find the cure - not just the treatment for blood cancers!

Del.icio.us Digg reddit Facebook Stumbleupon