Tyra Banks Faces Up to Her Dolphin Fears  2/2/06

Retired supermodel Tyra Banks is to launch the second season of her hit US TV talk show by tackling her greatest fear - swimming with dolphins and whales.

The former catwalk star has a lifelong fear of porpoises and sea mammals, but agreed to confront her phobia at SeaWorld in San Diego, California, in a bid to show viewers that fear is conquerable.

Banks' fear-filled show, in which she takes the plunge with the "fin-flapping stars of my nightmares" airs next week (07FEB06).

The beauty has also taped a segment at Bally's Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, in which she goes glam as a showgirl in the long-running Jubilee show.