Comedian David Walliams to edit The Independent…for a day

Independent journalists may well be hoping that next Thursday is a slow news day – because comedian and long-distance swimmer David Williams is going to take over the editor’s chair for a day. Walliams will be overseeing both The Independent and i with proceeds from the edition of Friday, 23 March, going to Sport Relief. Here’s the press release:

On Thursday 22nd March, David Walliams will take on the role of Editor for one day, for a special Sport Relief edition of The Independent and i, to be published on Friday 23rd March. The proceeds from The Independent’s sale will go to Sport Relief.

The issues will be packed full of contributions from a wide range of celebrities, comedians and sports personalities.

Highlights of this very special edition include an exclusive photo shoot with Lara Stone and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, shot by Alasdair McLellan; interviews with Bill Gates, Eddie Izzard and Thierry Henry; articles by Richard Curtis, Helen Skelton, Alan Carr, Rob Brydon, Dermot O’Leary and Nick Frost and a host of other guests stars.

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David Walliams said: ‘I was thrilled to be invited to guest edit The Independent and i. I can’t wait to sit in the editor’s chair and help decide which stories will make it to print. I’m also very grateful to Evgeny Lebedev and everyone else at The Independent and i for supporting this great cause.”

Evgeny Lebedev, chairman of The Independent and i, said: ‘We are excited to have David editing the papers for a day. Sport Relief is very important not just to David but also to our readers and we’re pleased to be doing our bit to help this great cause.”

Chris Blackhurst, Editor of The Independent said: ‘I’m happy to give up my seat to David. David has been planning this issue for some time, and has quite a few surprises in store. From football and fashion to celebrities and the arts, there really is something for everyone in this very special issue.”