As an England footballer in training for the world cup, Frank Lampard is no stranger to exercise.

But according to his new girlfriend Christine Bleakley even he can't believe her latest challenge - water skiing across the English Channel for Sports Relief.

The One Show presenter, 31, was spotted looking understandably nervous as she practised in Ramsgate, Kent, today.

And she's up: Christine Bleakley holds on tight as she improves her water skiing skills today

Although looking unsure as she floated in the water, Bleakley was soon up and away, showing her training is going quite well already.

Next month, Bleakley is hoping to ski the 22-mile stretch at speeds of up to 20mph, in water temperatures as chilly as 6c.

She said: 'People think, "Oh, you're skiing across? That must be fun." Well it's not. It's hard work.

'I can't even tell my mum about it because she's going out of her mind with worry. Even Frank thinks I'm mad.'

Come on in, the water's... freezing! Brave Bleakley tries to concentrate on the chilly winter's day

And Christine, who is raising thousands for charity, is seeing the effects of her hard training all over her body.

She told The Sun: 'The strain on your arms, legs and lower back is tough. I've been hitting the gym like mad to get my muscles ready.

'My arms are like tree trunks now. As soon as this is over I'm going to slim them down because they look ridiculous.'

But despite committing hours and hours to training for the task, Christine is still worried she might not make it.

It's not all hard work: Bleakley manages to share a joke with her trainer in between upright moments

'I've done most of my training on a lake. Coming out on the sea where the waves can be several feet tall is a lot different.'

Should she prove successful Christine will become the first woman to complete the task.

Christine will attempt the feat early next month, weather permitting.

To find out more about The Thomson Sport Relief Water Ski Challenge and how to sponsor Bleakley visit www.sportrelief.com/christine

Arms 'like tree trunks': Bleakley returns to her London home after training

Welcome gift? Water skis are delivered to Christine's house