Sister act: David Walliams shocks passers-by by stepping out in drag

David Walliams proved once and for all that he's in touch with his inner-laydee today - when he stepped out in a busy London street dressed in drag.

The Little Britain comedian stunned onlookers when he hailed a cab while looking like a glamorous Hollywood starlet from the 1940s.

The 36-year-old courted attention in high heels, an off-the-shoulder black dress, a fascinator on his head and a cigarette holder protruding from his mouth.

But bachelor Walliams, who has a reputation as a ladies' man, hasn't started cross-dressing in his spare time.

The actor was playing a new comic creation, whose name is currently unknown.

Walliams and his Little Britain co-star Matt Lucas recently unveiled a host of new characters in a bid to conquer America.

The comedy duo's six-part series, Little Britain USA,  will see the return of some of familiar faces, including Vicky Pollard, as well as fresh creations.

The show, which will air on HBO in September, stars muscle-clad Tom and Mark, characters described by Walliams as 'possibly the most outrageous we've ever done'.

Lucas also frocks up to play Ellie-Grace, a misguided child beauty pageant hopeful who is spurred on by her pushy mother, played by cross-dressing Walliams.

Other characters include Conor and Mildred, an American boy from the Deep South and his grandmother, and Bing Gordyn, the eighth man on the moon.

Bing, Lucas explains, is bitter 'because all his glories are behind him and he's obsessed about the lack of recognition he gets compared to the other astronauts.

'He's my favourite new character and David plays him brilliantly.'

Pin-up: David Walliams' dress is held up by what appear to be small clamps

Friends star David Schwimmer directs some episodes, while US actress Rosie O'Donnell makes a guest appearance.

Walliams and Lucas say they took America's approach to comedy into account, but it remains to be seen if their distinct brand of humour will translate Stateside.

It's good to see Walliams taking things in his stride again after a stalker who threatened to kill him was sectioned under the Mental Health Act last month.

Sarah Bartholomew, 29, of Clacton-on-Sea in Essex, admitted sending a deluge of gifts, letters and emails in a four-year campaign of harassment.

In one letter, she told Walliams: ‘I have to have you at any cost. I will kill or abduct you, to stop you seeing anyone else.’

Street life: David Walliams tries his laydee luck