Walliams sets off on Channel swim

Little Britain comedian David Walliams finally took the plunge today as he set off to swim the Channel.

He entered the water at Shakespeare beach at Dover at 5.31am after being told that conditions were good for his Speedo Sport Relief Super Swim following a delay yesterday.

Channel swimmers have to wait for the right weather and tides to increase their chances of completing the 21-mile swim.

Before setting off, Walliams, 34, said: "I've been training for months now and, to be honest, I just want to get in there now and give it my best shot."

The star faces hazards such as tankers, jellyfish, seaweed and sewage. He is expected to take up to 16 hours to reach France.

Walliams is hoping his effort will raise £500,000 for Sport Relief. The public can sponsor him via www.sportrelief.co m/superswim, or by texting DAVID to 82125.

Radio1 is broadcasting live from a boat alongside Walliams throughout the day so listeners could follow his exploits. A documentary about the attempt will be shown on BBC1 on 13 July at 8pm.