David Walliams suffers torn disc from swim

David Walliams has been forced to cancel several public appearances after tearing a disc in his back while swimming the Thames for charity.

The comedian struggled with a stomach upset after swallowing bacteria-filled water and was bitten by water fleas during the 140-mile swim. But two weeks after finishing at Big Ben the 40-year-old is continuing to suffer from a back injury.

His spokesman said: "He tore one of his discs as a result of his swim and is now out of hospital, but he is undergoing physio and has had to cancel some appointments." The Little Britain star was forced to pull out of hosting a special screening of UltraSuede: In Search of Halston, a film about the fashion designer directed by his friend Whitney Sudler-Smith.

He raised more than £1 million for Sport Relief.