David Walliams has been one of Britain’s most recognisable entertainers for more than two decades. Known first as a comedian on Little Britain and later as a best-selling children’s author, his career has been marked by both extraordinary success and serious controversy. In late 2025, reports emerged that HarperCollins UK had dropped him following allegations of inappropriate behaviour — allegations he has firmly denied.
Walliams built a dual career that few manage to sustain. On television, he was a fixture of prime-time entertainment. In publishing, his books sold tens of millions of copies worldwide. That public profile now sits alongside a growing list of documented controversies that span nearly two decades, from on-stage stunts to private remarks made during the filming of Britain’s Got Talent.
The allegations, which include claims of harassment of junior female employees at his publisher, have prompted questions about his future in both children’s literature and television. Walliams has denied any wrongdoing and is seeking legal counsel. The story continues to develop as of early 2026.
What does David Walliams’ Wikipedia page say?
David William Walliams was born on 20 February 1965, making him 61 years old in 2026. He is a British actor, comedian, writer, and television personality. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2017 for services to charity and the arts. His Wikipedia page includes a dedicated section titled “Controversy and Allegations” that documents multiple incidents across his career.
English actor, comedian, writer, and television personality, best known for Little Britain and his children’s books.
In December 2025, the BBC reported that Walliams was dropped by his publisher after allegations of inappropriate behaviour; he has denied them and is seeking legal counsel.
Books: The Boy in the Dress, Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy; TV: Little Britain, Come Fly with Me, Britain’s Got Talent.
Married to Alexandra Walliams since 2005. The couple have two sons, Billy and Cyrus. Walliams identifies as heterosexual.
Key insights
- Walliams is a dual-career figure: a beloved children’s author and a controversial comedian, with recent allegations threatening his reputation.
- His Wikipedia page serves as the primary authoritative source for his biography, while the BBC article provides the most current news on the allegations.
- There is significant public curiosity about his personal life, particularly his marriage and family, though reliable information is limited.
- The allegations have created a gap in coverage — many sources do not yet include a full timeline or analysis of the fallout.
- His net worth is estimated at £15–20 million, derived from book sales, television judging, and public appearances, though no exact figure has been confirmed.
- Walliams has authored over 40 books, selling more than 60 million copies in 55 languages worldwide.
Fact table
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | David William Walliams |
| Birth date | 20 February 1965 (age 61 in 2026) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Actor, comedian, writer, television personality |
| Known for | Little Britain, children’s books, Britain’s Got Talent |
| Honours | OBE (2017) for services to charity and the arts |
| Spouse | Alexandra Walliams (married 2005) |
| Children | Two sons: Billy and Cyrus |
| Net worth | Estimated £15–20 million (not publicly confirmed) |
| Total books published | Over 40 |
| Global sales | Over 60 million copies in 55 languages |
What books has David Walliams written?
Walliams published his first children’s book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008. It marked the beginning of a prolific second career. He has since written more than 40 books, many of which have become best-sellers in the UK and internationally. His publisher was HarperCollins UK until the publisher dropped him following the recent allegations.
Popular titles and adaptations
Among his most widely known titles are Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy, and The Boy in the Dress. Several of his books have been adapted for television. Gangsta Granny was turned into a television film. His most recent release, Christmas & Son, was published in October 2024 by HarperCollins. The books have sold over 60 million copies in 55 languages globally.
Television and film career
Walliams first gained national fame through the BBC sketch show Little Britain, which ran from 2003 to 2005. He later became a judge on Britain’s Got Talent in 2018, a role he held until 2022. He also appeared as a panelist on Would I Lie to You? and has been involved in multiple stage adaptations of his children’s books. Several of those stage projects were delayed after the 2024 scandal emerged.
Walliams’ transition from comedy to children’s literature was unusually successful. His books are often described as being in the style of Roald Dahl. However, critics and activists have questioned whether his history of controversial comedy is compatible with his brand as a children’s author.
Who is David Walliams’ wife?
David Walliams married Alexandra Walliams in 2005. No divorce has been reported. The couple have two sons: Billy, born around 2007, and Cyrus, born around 2010. Walliams has maintained a relatively private family life, and few details about his wife or children are publicly available beyond basic biographical information.
Sexuality
Walliams has publicly identified as heterosexual. There is no indication of an LGBTQ+ identity in any credible source. Public speculation on this topic, which has appeared in some corners of social media, remains unverified and is not supported by any statement from Walliams or his representatives.
The BBC News article that broke the story of the HarperCollins allegations does not mention any LGBTQ+ identity. Walliams’ Wikipedia page lists him as a heterosexual male. No official source has confirmed any other sexual orientation.
What are the allegations against David Walliams?
Several distinct allegations have been made against Walliams across different periods of his career. The most recent involve claims of harassment at his publisher, while earlier incidents relate to remarks made during television filming and historical stage performances.
2024–2025 HarperCollins allegations
In December 2025, the BBC reported that Walliams had been dropped by HarperCollins UK after a year-long investigation by The Telegraph into allegations that he harassed junior female employees at the publisher. Walliams strongly denied the claims, stating that he was never informed of any complaints, was not involved in the inquiry, and was given no chance to respond. His spokesperson said: “David firmly asserts that he has acted appropriately and is seeking legal counsel.” HarperCollins did not comment on internal affairs, citing privacy protections.
2022 Britain’s Got Talent remarks
In January 2020, Walliams was recorded making derogatory and sexually explicit remarks about contestants during a break in filming of Britain’s Got Talent at the London Palladium. The comments, which were private between judges, were picked up by microphones. He was recorded using the C-word about one contestant and saying of another that she “thinks you want to fuck her.” Walliams apologised in 2022, acknowledging the remarks were “disrespectful.” He exited Britain’s Got Talent that same year. He later sued FremantleMedia over the leak, claiming breaches of UK GDPR and misuse of private information, citing lost earnings of approximately £1.7 million. Fremantle settled the case, apologising and reaching an “amicable resolution.”
Historical allegations
A series of older incidents have also attracted renewed scrutiny. In 2006, at the Britain Comic Gala at the Hammersmith Apollo, Walliams performed a sketch called “Hide the Sausage” in which he pulled down the pants of young male volunteers aged 16 to 18 and simulated sexual acts, exposing their genitals to a live audience of more than 3,000 people. In 2007, during the BBC documentary Little Britain Down Under, he invited teenage boys on stage for the same stunt, asked them to confirm their ages, and made a remark described as disturbing when one claimed to be 16. In 2009, he performed the sketch with musician Mark Ronson at a charity event; Ronson’s buttocks were exposed while he tried to stop Walliams. In 2007, Walliams was also accused of making insensitive jokes about cancer sufferers, blind people, and people in wheelchairs. More recently, in 2024/2025, he reportedly performed two Nazi salutes during the BBC’s 2025 Christmas special of Would I Lie to You? The BBC said the footage would not be broadcast.
Gay rights activists and public figures have criticised these actions as sexual assault and humiliation, particularly given Walliams’ branding as a children’s author in the style of Roald Dahl. Multiple incidents span nearly two decades, from 2006 to 2025, suggesting a recurring pattern that has drawn condemnation from advocacy groups and media critics alike.
How did the key events unfold?
- : Born in the UK.
- : Gains fame with the BBC sketch show Little Britain.
- : Performs the “Hide the Sausage” sketch at the Hammersmith Apollo with young male volunteers.
- : Performs the same stunt in Little Britain Down Under; accused of insensitive jokes about cancer sufferers and disabled people.
- : Publishes first children’s book, The Boy in the Dress.
- : Appointed OBE for services to charity and the arts.
- : Becomes a judge on Britain’s Got Talent.
- : Makes derogatory and sexually explicit remarks about contestants during filming of Britain’s Got Talent.
- : Apologises for the remarks and exits Britain’s Got Talent; later sues FremantleMedia over the leak.
- : Publishes Christmas & Son with HarperCollins.
- : BBC reports that HarperCollins UK dropped Walliams after allegations of harassment of junior female employees; he denies the claims.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| David Walliams was born on 20 February 1965 in the UK. | The specific nature of the allegations that led HarperCollins to drop him has not been publicly detailed. |
| He is a successful children’s author with over 40 books and 60 million copies sold. | The outcome of any investigation or legal action remains unknown. |
| He was married to Alexandra Walliams in 2005 and has two sons. | His net worth is not publicly confirmed; estimates range around £15–20 million. |
| In December 2025, the BBC reported that HarperCollins UK dropped him after allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he denies. | The long-term impact on his career in television and publishing is yet to be seen. |
| He made sexually explicit remarks during filming of Britain’s Got Talent in 2020 and later apologised. | No charges have been filed against Walliams as of early 2026. |
Why do these allegations matter?
David Walliams rose to fame in the early 2000s as part of the comedy duo with Matt Lucas on Little Britain. He later transitioned to children’s literature and became one of the best-selling authors in the UK, often compared to Roald Dahl. The recent allegations are particularly significant because his public brand relies heavily on a wholesome image as a children’s author. The denial from Walliams and the lack of concrete details from HarperCollins create a period of uncertainty. The story is still developing, and future updates will determine its full impact.
The allegations also mirror a broader pattern of public figures facing accountability for past behaviour, especially in the entertainment industry. Gay rights activists and children’s advocacy groups have questioned his suitability as a children’s author given the documented history of stunts that critics describe as sexual humiliation.
What do the sources say?
“Best-selling children’s author and comedian David Walliams has denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour after being dropped by his publisher.”
BBC News, 20 December 2025
“David Edward Williams, known professionally as David Walliams, is an English actor, comedian, writer and television personality.”
Wikipedia entry for David Walliams
What is the bottom line?
David Walliams remains a major figure in British entertainment and publishing, but his legacy is now shadowed by multiple allegations spanning nearly two decades. He has denied the most recent claims and is seeking legal advice. The situation continues to evolve, and no definitive conclusions can be drawn until more information becomes available. For readers interested in similar British entertainment figures, read the Rob Brydon – Biography, Family, Net Worth and Facts article, or learn more about Mark Gatiss – Biography, Age, Husband, and More.
Frequently asked questions
What is David Walliams’ height?
His height is not publicly listed in official sources.
How old is David Walliams?
He was born on 20 February 1965, making him 61 years old in 2026.
Is David Walliams still writing books?
His most recent book, Christmas & Son, was published in October 2024. HarperCollins UK dropped him in late 2025, and no new book has been announced since.
Why did David Walliams leave Britain’s Got Talent?
He left in 2022 after apologising for derogatory and sexually explicit remarks made about contestants during filming in January 2020.
Does David Walliams have children?
Yes. He has two sons with his wife Alexandra Walliams: Billy, born around 2007, and Cyrus, born around 2010.
What was the “Hide the Sausage” sketch?
A stage sketch performed in 2006, 2007, and 2009 in which Walliams pulled down the pants of young male volunteers and simulated sexual acts, exposing their genitals to live audiences.
Has David Walliams been charged with a crime?
No charges have been filed against him as of early 2026. The allegations remain under investigation.
What is David Walliams’ net worth?
Estimates place his net worth at £15–20 million, though the exact figure is not publicly confirmed.
What did David Walliams say about the HarperCollins allegations?
He strongly denied the allegations, stating he was never informed of any complaints, was not involved in the inquiry, and was given no chance to respond. His spokesperson said he is seeking legal counsel.
Victoria Winslow is Editor-in-Chief at ShowbizUK.co.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, editorial standards, publication decisions, source review and content quality across the publication.