More than 800,000 people tuned in to fitness guru Joe Wicks' inaugural online PE session on the first day of school closures across the country.

'The Body Coach' is live-streaming PE sessions at 9am every day on his YouTube channel in a bid to keep children active while they are at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Each session lasts 30 minutes, needs no special equipment, and can be performed in the comfort of a living room by both adults and children of all ages.

Monday's session saw more than 806,000 viewers tune in to get moving as Joe, even with a broken hand, took up his role as 'The Nation's PE Teacher.'

In his first session, the 33-year-old father of two said: “I went to university to study to be a PE teacher.

“I’ve come full circle after all these years and now I’m actually becoming a PE teacher to all these people all over the world.”

Parents and fans were quick to share their thanks and excitement on twitter.

One user wrote: “A brilliant start to the week with @thebodycoach and PE lessons for kids!” with another adding: “Starting as we mean to go on. Loving the Joe Wicks workout this morning. PE done. Thanks @thebodycoach. Great idea.”

Parents were encouraged to get involved too. 

"Best part was being coached by my 8 year old," said Mhairi Brennan on Twitter. "Come on mum! We get a rest and then we go again!"