Sink or Swim fans praise Alex Brooker for overcoming his fears as he swims 500 metres

Sink Or Swim fans have praised Alex Brooker for facing his fears and for swimming more than 500m in the first episode of the series.

The TV presenter, among other celebrities, has just 12 weeks to train for a relay swim across the English Channel in support of Stand Up To Cancer.

And although the 35-year-old admitted to wanting to give the challenge a go, he had his doubts as he practised swimming in a local pool.

‘I’d b****y loved to do it,’ he admitted near the beginning of the episode. ‘Once I’ve sent my mind to something I like to see it through.

‘I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m gonna give it a go,’ while adding: ‘I don’t fancy drowning.’

Later scenes show the comedian – who was born with hand and arm deformities and a twisted right leg which had to be amputated when he was a baby – attempt to learn to swim, as he adds that due to the fact he wears a prosthetic leg, he is ‘imbalanced’ in the water, while he fears the distance of the English Channel is too far for him to attempt.

He said: ‘One of my legs and one of my arms is shorter than the other, I’m imbalanced in the water, but I don’t wanna go in the challenge and float, I want to actually contribute as a team.’

‘I don’t think I’m going to be able to do the end swim. I genuinely don’t,’ he added.

Toward the end of the episode, the team of celebrities put their swimming skills to the test as they attempted to swim 500 metres across Lake Windermere in the Peak District.

At first, Alex, who was aided by a prosthetic thin, appeared to struggle, as he admitted he couldn’t breathe as he swam in the water, and came close to giving up.

However, with the aid of the rest of the crew, Alex was able to face his fears, and in the end was able to swim the entire 500 metres.

Fans have since taken to Twitter, to praise Alex for his bravery.

‘Just watched #sinkorswim @alex_brooker you’re a hero for that!’ one fan said.

‘Alex Brooker is an inspiration,’ another chipped in.

‘I obviously get that the others have fears, anxiety and aren’t confident, but it pales into significance when you compare it to what Alex has to deal with.’

‘So proud of @alex_booker on @S2CUK Sink or Swim show. You legend,’ another fan added.

‘I can’t swim for toffee so you should be extremely proud of what you did as I know I wouldn’t be able to do it!’

With this much support from fans and his teammates, we know that Alex will be able to do this in the end!

Sink or Swim continues next Thursday at 9:30pm on Channel 4.