David Walliams’ Big Swim: A Sport Relief Special on BBC One

February 20, 2012   ·   0 Comments

David Walliams’ Big Swim: A Sport Relief Special on BBC One looks back on the eight day swim which the comedian undertook for Sport Relief 2012 in September last year.

Providing the inside story with exclusive behind-the-scenes access, the programme makers follows David, his team and the great British public as the extraordinary comedian battles the odds to swim the length of the river Thames in a unique, eccentrically British event.

The programme takes in the highs and lows of the challenge that saw David pass through seven counties, make 111,352 strokes, burn 68,000 calories, battle a serious bacterial infection and even save a dog from drowning.

David fights against river debris, dangerous sewage, almost intolerable pain, even hypothermia, culminating in an emotional reunion with his wife as he takes to the steps of London’s South Bank, where he will complete his challenge and meet his dedicated supporters.

Featuring interviews with his mother, his wife Lara Stone and river bank locals, as well as visits from fellow comedians Miranda Hart, Rob Brydon and Jimmy Carr, the one-off special show is split by day and offers the audience a true understanding of the lengths David went to to make a difference to people around the world.

Interspersed with snippets of his trip to Kenya, which first inspired David to undertake the challenge, the programme also sees him get to know Kenyan street kid Phillip who, since his parents’ death, has struggled to survive.

Made by BBC Bristol, the programme combines humour and horror with sensitivity and drama, telling the story of a true British hero.

David Walliams’ Big Swim: A Sport Relief Special will be broadcast on BBC One on Thursday 8 March at 9pm. 

See video of the culmination of David Walliams’ Big Swim below :

Tags: BBC One, David Walliams, Jimm Carr, Lara Stone, Miranda Hart, Rob Brydon, Sport Relief, Thames