Comic battles on with Thames swim after sewage blow

The Little Britain star has already battled with a bout of “Thames tummy” from swallowing the river water as he aims to cover 140 miles in eight days.

Thames Water has contacted his team to inform them of the stomach-churning amount of sewage in the water.

Richard Aylard from the water firm said: “We’ve been in touch with David Walliams’ team and he’ll have to make his own decisions. We’re not public health experts but I wouldn’t recommend swimming in it. That said, David is doing a hugely admirable thing and we wish him all the best.”

The brave comic, who has had inoculations to protect him against diseases during his epic swim, will press on regardless.

Walliams had covered 116 miles yesterday in his BT Sport Relief Challenge, spurred on by the presence of his model wife Lara Stone in a support boat.

He even rescued a pet Labrador called Vinny.

Walliams said: “I heard a splash and looked over to be met with the face of a sweet Labrador. I thought he was fine, but he started to really struggle when he was getting out so I swam over and helped his owner get him out.”

The animal’s owner Steve Outten, 23, from High Wycombe, said: “Vinny has hip dysplasia and was really struggling to get out just as David was swimming past. He stopped, swam over and helped me get him out, which when you think what he’s going through with the swim is totally amazing, what a man.”

Supporters can sponsor the performer at www.sportrelief.com/walliams.