A trio of pals are joining forces to shine a light on the struggles our NHS heroes have faced during the coronavirus crisis.

Steve Whyley, Paul Skelton and Luke Butler have combined to create a comedic sketch to show how difficult it is for frontline workers in the midst of a global pandemic.

The sketch portrays three jobseekers learning about the environment that keyworkers operate in during an online interview, with the interviewee giving a number of home truths.

It comes a week after it was proposed that NHS staff would be set for a pay rise of just one per cent.

Steve, who attended Heycroft Primary School, Southend, alongside Luke, proposed the idea of the sketch alongside Paul.

Luke then got on board by offering to produce the piece.

Steve, 34, feels NHS staff at south Essex hospitals and clinics do not get the credit they deserve following a year like no other.

He said: “I initially came up with the idea of a comedy sketch a year ago, just as the first lockdown was put in place.

“We decided to do it in the format of an interview for an NHS job to show how difficult it is for them.

“I couldn’t get it off the ground but I wanted to revisit it a month ago.

“It’s scandalous that NHS staff are possibly getting just a one per cent pay rise.

“We reworded the script slightly, got some professional actors involved and Luke agreed to produce it.

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“I think it’s important to shine a light on the difficulties NHS workers have because they deserve all the credit in the world.

“They have been the real heroes throughout this pandemic and they continue to go the extra mile for us.”

While the public has clapped for NHS staff and shown support throughout the pandemic, Steve - who appeared on hit television show The Million Pound Drop with Luke - insists more needs to be done.

Steve, of Eastwood, added: “We all know the amazing job they do and they go above and beyond.

“I find it really disappointing that they are being offered such a small pay rise.

“I’m hoping our video will highlight how difficult NHS workers’ jobs are.

“Most people who watch it will think there’s no way they can go through that day-to-day life, but so many people do it for a living.

“Our video has gone down really well so far and it’s had 2,500 views. Hopefully it makes an impact.”

Visit vimeo.com/521594920 to watch the sketch.