We captured the moment comedian David Walliams was handed the Olympic torch on the steps of Islington Town Hall earlier this morning.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge then carried the torch down Upper Street and gave it to war hero Phil Packer at the junction with Almeida Street.

Mr Walliams, who was chosen for his tireless fundraising efforts for Sport Relief, told the Gazette ahead of his leg of the torch relay: “I’m very excited, it’s quite an honour – but I thought I was the only one!

“A lot of the other torchbearers have very interesting stories and amazing achievements. The torch is the star, that’s what everyone has come to see.

“It seems very simple thing to do but I really have to think about this so I don’t set anyone on fire – I’m giving the flame to Phil Packer and he has a big bushy beard and I don’t want to set him alight.”

After completing the honour, Mr Walliams tweeted: “Wow! I loved that sooooo much! Such a great response. And no-one made a lunge!”