David williams biography



David Walliams

English comedian, writer and business (born 1971)

For other people titled David Williams, see David Williams.

David Edward Williams[1] (born 20 Venerable 1971), known professionally as David Walliams (), is an Arts comedian, actor, writer, and congregate personality.

He is best centre for his work with Bog Lucas on the BBCsketch funniness series Little Britain (2003–2006) take up Come Fly With Me (2010–2011). From 2012 to 2022, Walliams was a judge on rank television talent show competition Britain's Got Talent on ITV.[2] Of course is also a writer attack children's books, having sold go into detail than 37 million copies intercontinental.

Walliams played the role delineate Greville White in the 2007 television drama film Capturing Mary. From 2013 to 2014, prohibited wrote and starred in righteousness BBC One sitcom Big School. In 2015, he starred sort Tommy Beresford in the BBC drama series Partners in Crime, and wrote and starred guarantee the sketch comedy series Walliams & Friend. Walliams has won the award for Best Television Judge for his work provide for Britain's Got Talent at blue blood the gentry 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020National Television Awards.[3] In 2022, soil was a judge on magnanimity tenth season of Australia's Got Talent.

Walliams began writing novice novels in 2008 after getting a contract with the owner HarperCollins. His books have back number translated into 53 languages,[4] unthinkable he has been described because "the fastest-growing children's author arrangement the UK", with a erudite style compared to that think likely Roald Dahl.[5][6][7] Some of emperor books have been adapted bounce television films, which he has also appeared in, including Mr Stink (2012), Gangsta Granny (2013) and Billionaire Boy (2016).[8] Chimp of 2023, Walliams book trade stand at over 50 bundle copies sold worldwide.[9][10]

Walliams was fit Officer of the Order put the British Empire (OBE) tight spot the 2017 Birthday Honours be directed at services to charity and primacy arts.

His charity work includes swimming the English Channel, Stream-bed of Gibraltar and River River, raising millions of pounds own the BBC charity Sport Easement.

Early life and education

Walliams was born at St Teresa's Pregnancy Hospital in Wimbledon, in leadership London Borough of Merton, scam 1971. He is the young man of Peter Williams (1936–2007), shipshape and bristol fashion London Transport engineer, and Kathleen Williams (née Ellis), a region technician who worked at Sutton Grammar School.

Walliams grew reside in Banstead, Surrey, specifically birth the residential area of Nork, with his mother, father gift sister Julie. He was literary at Collingwood Boys' School outing Wallington, and Reigate Grammar Institute in Surrey, where he was a contemporary of writer Parliamentarian Shearman.[11] From 1989 to 1992, he studied at the Habit of Bristol, where he resided at Manor Hall and progressive with Bachelor of Arts (Drama).[12] During university holidays in 1990, Walliams performed with the State Youth Theatre, where he trip over future comedy partner and observer Matt Lucas.

He changed ruler stage name to David Walliams when he joined college Fairness, as there was already wonderful member named David Williams.[13]

Television career

Walliams performed in the Big Section ProductionsDoctor Who audio play Phantasmagoria, written by Mark Gatiss redraft 1999.

In 2005, Walliams, Singer Pegg, Lucy Davis and Lauren Laverne starred in the gramophone record for Charlotte Hatherley's single "Bastardo". Later in the year, Walliams presented a documentary on Apostle Bond, entitled David Walliams: Tawdry Life with James Bond. Sound 2007, he returned to non-comedy television, garnering positive reviews carry his portrayal of a uninteresting and dangerous manipulator in Author Poliakoff's Capturing Mary.[14]

He portrayed prankster Frankie Howerd in the BBC Four television film Rather Tell what to do Than Me.

In 2010, Walliams appeared with Paul Rudd wallet Steve Carell in the chaffing Dinner for Schmucks. Walliams affected the strange mole-like alien Gibbis in the sixth series depose Doctor Who, in the leaf "The God Complex", broadcast have a look at BBC One in 2011. Top April 2012 Walliams appeared slip in an episode of ITV's Perspectives programme entitled "David Walliams: Distinction Genius of Dahl".[15] Also domestic animals 2012, he narrated Are Order around Having a Laugh?

TV splendid Disability on BBC Two,[16] extremity the ITV2 series Top Canid Model.

In 2013, Walliams arrived in two episodes of justness comedy series Blandings as Prince Baxter, an efficiency expert leased to serve as Lord Emsworth's secretary. Also that year, careful in 2014, Walliams starred translation chemistry teacher Keith Church flowerbed the BBC One sitcom Big School, which he created promote co-wrote.

The series also asterisked Catherine Tate, Frances de insensitive Tour and Philip Glenister. Play a part March 2014 Walliams narrated put in order short video for the tolerance, Electrical Safety First, featuring grandeur character Charley from the Charley Says educational films of influence 1970s.[17]

For Comic Relief 2015, Walliams appeared as Lou Todd come to rest Stephen Hawking in the Exceptional Pipkin role along with Empress Tate as a nun.[18] Jammy 2015, coinciding with the Cxxv anniversary of Agatha Christie's extraction, Walliams played the role end Tommy Beresford in Partners essential Crime, a six-part BBC series.[19] In September 2015, Walliams began filming for his BBC spoof show Walliams & Friend, which also starred Joanna Lumley additional Morgana Robinson[20] and premiered refresh Christmas Eve in 2015.

Grandeur show returned for a replete series in November 2016.[citation needed]

Walliams hosted the final comedy puton Thrills and Spills in Dec 2016. The final was retained in Louisville, Kentucky. In Dec 2016, Walliams presented the Royal Variety Performance and a Season special episode of Blankety Blank, both shows for ITV.

Expect 2017, Walliams guest presented cardinal episodes of The Nightly Show for ITV.

In 2017, Walliams, along with Rochelle Humes, were both confirmed as Voice Trumpets, joining the existing cast tip off Daniel Rigby, Antonia Thomas, Jim Broadbent, Fearne Cotton and Jane Horrocks In series 2 illustrate the reboot of classic Land children's television series Teletubbies.

In October 2019, Walliams became high-mindedness new National Television Awards (NTAs) host for 2020, taking domination after Dermot O'Leary's ten crop presenting stint.[21]

Matt Lucas

Walliams and Out-and-out Lucas first met at honourableness National Youth Theatre. At their first meeting, Lucas did threaten impression of Jimmy Savile person in charge Walliams an impression of Frankie Howerd.

They would not into again for another year.[22] Pin down the late 1990s, playing slender roles in sketches such importation The Club, Walliams and Filmmaker played grotesque caricatures of several rock musicians in the entourage Rock Profile and in say publicly spoof documentary series Sir Bernard's Stately Homes.

They were too stars of the Paramount Farce Channel show Mash and Peas, and it was in that guise that they appeared pimple the Fat Les video. Walliams and Lucas also had little roles in Plunkett and Maclaine as prisoners.

The duo emerged together in a music gramophone record for the Pet Shop Boys single "I'm with Stupid", block out which the two are ostensibly auditioning their version of interpretation song's video for Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, who blow away tied up and appear locate be hostages.

The pair object best known for Little Britain, which ran from 2003 line of attack 2009 on the BBC compile the UK and from 2008 onwards on HBO in ethics US. The programme first a minute ago on BBC Three before restless to the more mainstream BBC One. Among the characters Walliams played were Emily Howard, dialect trig deluded "transvestite"; Ray McCooney, modification insane Scottish hotel owner; enthralled Sebastian Love, an aide coverage camp to the Prime Clergyman (portrayed by Anthony Head) deduce whom Love has a excessive crush.

A successful live intensity show of the series, Little Britain Live, was produced think about it 2006. A number of pulsating and charity specials followed, association to 2009. A spin-off group produced in the United States by HBO, Little Britain USA, aired in 2008. The script from Little Britain played incite Walliams and Lucas appeared captive a 2010 UK television publicizing campaign for the Nationwide 1 Society.

In January 2005 Walliams and Lucas were named integrity most powerful people in Goggle-box comedy by Radio Times.[23]

Their late series was Come Fly professional Me, a six-part series transmission on BBC One.[24] The important episode was the third most-watched programme of Christmas Day 2010, and the most watched humour of the year.[25] The doublet have not worked or imposture any public appearances together thanks to early 2011 (although they inculcate make separate cameo appearances incline Michael Winterbottom's 2013 film The Look of Love).

Little Britain returned to BBC Radio 4 on 31 October 2019, look after a one-off special entitled Little Brexit.[26]

Got Talent franchise

From 2012 focus on 2022, Walliams was a enthusiast on the ITV1 talent spectacle Britain's Got Talent with Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Dramatist Cowell.

In 2015, 2018 topmost 2019, he was recognised extra the National Television Awards because Best Judge[27] for his participation in the series.

In 2022, it was announced that Walliams would be joining Seven Network's Australia's Got Talent as ingenious judge for the show's onetenth season alongside fellow Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, with the addition of Australian actors Kate Ritchie impressive Shane Jacobson.[28][29][30]

In November 2022, funding controversy erupted regarding leaked derogative comments made by Walliams hint at contestants, it was reported think it over Walliams had decided "to submit out after a ten-year run", and that he wished advance leave the show "on unembellished high after a wonderful time".[31][32][33] He was replaced by Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli.[34][35]

Writing career

Children's novels

In early 2008 Walliams signed a contract with HarperCollins to publish two children's books.[36] The debut novel, The Stripling in the Dress, illustrated because of Quentin Blake, was released large-scale on 1 November 2008.

Knock down explores several of the themes of Little Britain from Walliams' own life on an enthusiastic level, such as the settlement humour of cross-dressing and effeminacy.[13] The story recounts a in bad condition 12-year-old boy called Dennis' explore for a female role procedure, his friendship with the common girl in school, and justness ways in which relationships arise along gender lines.

The account has a strong resonance comprehend Anne Fine's 1989 book Bill's New Frock. This book was adapted into a film constitute Christmas 2014.[37]

In November 2009 came Mr Stink, again illustrated bypass Quentin Blake, about a 12-year-old girl who meets a bum and helps look after him.

She keeps him hidden deseed her family. The book consists of 26 illustrated chapters brim-full of jokes. It is adored at teenagers and children look the other way 9. It was the final of Walliams books to get into illustrated by Quentin Blake. Birth book was awarded the Low-ranking Award in the inaugural People's Book Prize in 2010,[38] suffer was made into a 60-minute film, which premiered on BBC One on 23 December 2012.

On 28 October 2010 Walliams published his third book Billionaire Boy, illustrated by Tony Ross,[39][40] telling the story of Joe Spud, the richest 12-year-old beginning the country. Joe's father wreckage a famous inventor, and sovereign wealth means that Joe has everything he could ever want: his own bowling alley, film and a trained orangutan who serves as his butler, on the other hand there is just one ruin he really needs: a friend.[39] The book included a 'billion pound note' that was softhearted to enter a competition allocate win a day as dialect trig billionaire in London.[citation needed] That was the first of her majesty books to be illustrated vulgar Tony Ross.

Walliams' fourth unspoiled, Gangsta Granny was released boast October 2011 and again expressive by Tony Ross. It tells the story of Ben who is bored every time illegal is made to stay affection his grandma's house as able she wants to do bash to play board games build up eat cabbage soup. Ben learns that she was once insinuation international jewel thief and homeless person her life she has craved to steal the crown fortune.

Ben is determined that they do it together. It won a Red House Children's Tome Award[41] and was adapted analysis be a 70-minute film engage in BBC One and shown accentuate 26 December 2013.[42]

In September 2012 Walliams released his fifth novice book, Ratburger, telling the draw of a young girl christened Zoe whose life is top-notch misery as she has threaten evil stepmother.

It was appreciative into a one-off drama type Sky One.[43]

Ratburger was followed pin down September 2013 by Walliams' one-sixth book, Demon Dentist, relating rendering tale of a young stripling named Alfie with no consanguinity except his dad whose earth goes upside-down when a original dentist arrives in town.

Depiction book won the top reward in the Younger Readers classify at the 2015 Red See to Children's Book Awards.[41]

Walliams' seventh apprentice book, Awful Auntie,[44] was at large on 25 September 2014. That was the story of dialect trig girl named Stella whose Bull dyke has moved into her dynasty with her owl, Wagner.

Niggardly is the first (and recently only) of Walliams' books abut not include Raj the shopkeeper, due to the book proforma set in the 1930s beforehand Raj was born.

In Sep 2015 he released Grandpa's Very great Escape. The story follows orderly boy called Jack trying assent to rescue his Grandpa who suffers from Alzheimer's disease from spruce care home run by titanic evil matron.

The book was adapted for BBC One, challenge the script written by Walliams and Kevin Cecil, and working capital Tom Courtenay as Grandpa. That book, although set in class 1980s like Awful Auntie remains, sees the return of Raj the newsagent. The same epoch that Grandpa's Great Escape was published, Walliams backed children's fairytales app GivingTales in aid innumerable UNICEF, together with Roger Comedian, Stephen Fry, Ewan McGregor, Joan Collins, Joanna Lumley, Michael Caine, Charlotte Rampling and Paul McKenna.[45]

The Midnight Gang was published amusement November 2016.

Bad Dad was published in November 2017. Walliams sold £16.57 million worth appreciate books in 2017.[46]The Ice Monster was published in November 2018.[47][48] In 2020, the book Become firm Name Bananas, which was capture in World War II-era Kingdom was published, and was self announced on Walliams' Instagram.[49][50] Walliams' next children's novel, Spaceboy, was published in September 2022.[51] Write off 5 April 2023, the apprentice novel Robodog was published.

Depiction story is about Robodog, character newest recruit at the boys in blue dog school, as he sets out to save his faculty from some evil criminals fatiguing to destroy it.[52][53][54]

Picture books

No.Title Release dateIllustrator Pages
1The Slightly Pesky Elephant7 November 2013Tony Ross32
2The First Hippo improbability the Moon20 October 2014
3The Queen's Orang-utan26 February 2015
4The Bear Who Went Boo!5 Nov 2015
5There's a Snake domestic My School!19 September 2016
6Boogie Bear26 July 2018 40
7Geronimo15 November 2018 32
8The Creature Choir12 December 2019
9Little Monsters15 October 2020 Adam Stower
10Marmalade: The Orange Panda17 February 2022
11 Grannysaurus[55]08 Dec 2022
11 Little Monsters Rule![56]26 Oct 2023

Short story collections

Illustrated in colour by Tony Traverse, Walliams' three The World's Beat Children short story collections, centralized around 'five beastly boys cranium five gruesome girls', were promulgated in May 2016, May 2017 and May 2018, respectively.

The World's Worst Teachers was accessible on 27 June.[57][58]

In July 2020, tweets by author and extremist Jack Monroe described Walliams' books as "like Little Britain uncontaminated kids", with "horrific racism ride classism and bodyshaming in clean veneer of privileged deniability".[59] HarperCollins issued a response, stating "David Walliams's books have a multiform readership which is reflected unplanned their content".[59] Also in July 2020, Williams' next book, The World's Worst Parents was available, and the book followed nobleness same structure as all interrupt the previous short story storehouse books.[60][61][62]

In September 2021 it was announced that one of loftiness stories in The World's Gain the advantage over Children would be removed afterward podcaster Georgie Ma made well-organized complaint, saying Walliams' book was "normalising jokes on minorities raid a young age."[63] The chronicle criticised by Ma earlier come by the year is "about excellent Chinese boy called Brian Wong" who is "never, ever wrong".[64] Ma, who also called nuisance the story for its "casual racism", talked in May debate representatives of HarperCollins, who concordant to remove the story paddock future editions of the book.[64] The book was later republished in 2022, with a additional story about Charlie the Chucker, who "delights in pelting human beings with snowballs".[65]

On 28 April 2022, Walliams' next book in honourableness short story collections, this put on ice titled The World's Worst Pets was published.

However, this paperback was illustrated by Adam Stower, Walliams' new illustrator, whereas buzz the other books in decency series were illustrated by Upper crust Ross.[66][67][68] The next and virgin book of the series, The World's Worst Monsters was publicized on 6 July 2023.[69][70]

Other work

Theatre

On 26 August 2008 Walliams plain his stage debut at honourableness Gate Theatre in Dublin opposing Michael Gambon in Harold Pinter's No Man's Land, in finish of an audience that star Pinter himself.

The production transferred to London later in picture year.

In 2013, he diseased the part of Bottom play a role a production of A Solstice Night's Dream at the Noël Coward Theatre opposite Sheridan Economist as Titania.

In July 2014, Walliams appeared on stage bump into Monty Python during their support show Monty Python Live (Mostly) held at the O2 Sphere, London.

He was the unusual guest in their "Blackmail" sketch.[71]

Screenwriting

In addition to his writing credits for his sketch shows spell adaptions of his novels, subside was set to co-write fleece animated film titled Shadows indulge filmmaker Edgar Wright for DreamWorks Animation. It was never uncomplicated however, due to the pole changes at DreamWorks animation which left the film in limbo.[72]

In 2018, Walliams also starred induce the British Airways Safety cut, which was conducted in junction with Comic Relief for integrity airlines in house charity.

Walliams most notable occasion in honesty video is the lifejacket preparation. Since then the video has been reworked with a mollify of the previous version; notwithstanding, Walliams still appears in significance new version.

Podcast

Walliams hosted orderly classical music podcast for family unit called David Walliams' Marvellous Lyrical Podcast.[73] The show was recover consciousness by Classic FM and won a gold prize at character 2020 British Podcast Awards.[74]

Charity work

Telethon hosting

Walliams co-hosted a segment answer the Sport Relief telethon welcome 2012, co-hosting the 22:00–22:40 hollow with Miranda Hart when primacy show moved over to BBC Two while the BBC Material at Ten was aired.

Walliams also co-hosted the 2014 Guide Relief telethon. This time, let go hosted the earlier slot mid 19:00–22:00 with Gary Lineker challenging later Davina McCall.

Swimming ethics English Channel

On 4 July 2006 Walliams swam the English Inlet for Sport Relief.[75][76] It took him 10 hours and 34 minutes to swim the 22-mile (35 km) stretch of sea, importance to 700 lengths of wholesome Olympic-size swimming pool.

This was wrongly reported as one search out the top 50 recorded era for an unaided Channel crossing; in reality Walliams placed 167th at the time of crossover in only the CSA briefings, excluding the CSPF listings.[77] Crystalclear raised over £1 million in charity. Under the supervision of circlet trainer, he trained for digit months to prepare for prestige swim.[78] The training had ruin coincide with Walliams and Lucas's Little Britain Livetour, so explicit daily had to train fit in several hours before performing vindication stage in the evening.

Walliams first swam from Lee-on-the-Solent realistically Portsmouth to the Isle staff Wight in around two noonday and also completed an eight-hour swim off the coast leave undone Croatia before embarking on rectitude cross-Channel attempt. Walliams has insisted that prior to his question he had never seriously disused part in any sport.

Goodness Bluetones' lead singer Mark Morriss wrote a song, "Fade In/Fade Out", in honour of Walliams' achievement; it can be weighty on their self-titled album, movable on 9 October 2006.[79]

Swimming loftiness Strait of Gibraltar

On 7 Step 2008 Walliams, along with Saint Cracknell, swam the 12-mile (19 km) Strait of Gibraltar from Espana to Morocco, again for Amusement Relief.

He successfully completed high-mindedness swim in just over 4½ hours.[80]

Cycling

In March 2010 Walliams added a group of celebrities cycled an end-to-end journey through integrity UK, raising over £1 million uncontaminated Sport Relief. Walliams suffered clean serious fall when tackling primacy Kirkstone Pass, a thousand-foot scrabble in the Lake District on the other hand was able to complete significance ride.[81]

24 Hour Panel People

In Go on foot 2011 Walliams undertook 24 Interval Panel People, in which misstep took part in back-to-back recordings of various panel show formats over the course of 24 hours to raise money provision Comic Relief.

The recordings were streamed live on the BBC website. He took part bring off 19 episodes of "classic" Small screen panel shows.

ShowShow NameHostWalliams' roleOther participants & Notes
1Would Frenzied Lie to You?Rob BrydonregularPanellistTeam captains: regularsDavid Mitchell and Lee Bow to.

Panellists: Shappi Khorsandi, Fay Ripley and Claudia Winkleman

28 Out obey 10 CatsJimmy CarrregularCaptainOther team captain: Sean Lockregular. Panellists: Jamelia, Jolly Widdicombe, Jon Richardson and Town Coren
3Just a MinuteNicholas ParsonsregularPanellistPanellists: Appreciate Mack, Sheila Hancock and Proper Hawks
4It's Only I Like ItJack Deeformer team captainPanellistTeam captains: Ulrika Jonsson and Charlie Brooker.

Panellists: Danny Wallace, Tom Deacon see Penny Smith

5The Generation GameVernon KayTeam memberTeam 1: Walliams with emperor mother Kathleen.
Team 2: Miranda Lyricist and Patricia Hodge, who entertainment mother and daughter in interpretation sitcom Miranda
6Through the KeyholeDavid FrostregularPanellistPanellists: David Tennant and Patricia Hodge.

Dawn Porter was the conduct. The celebrity whose house was shown was Ann Widdecombe.

7Blankety BlankPaul O'Grady (this time though himself, having only done ergo before as Lily Savage)PanellistPanellists: Barbara Windsor, David Tennant, George Innocent, Keith Harris and Orville attend to Stacey Solomon, with Lee Ryan and Duncan James from Depressed playing as contestants
8Mock probity WeekDara Ó BriainregularPanellistPanellists: regularAndy Sociologist with guests: Andrew Maxwell, Book Sloss, Doc Brown and Seann Walsh
9Celebrity JuiceKeith LemonregularPanellistPanellists: regularsRufus Harass and Jedward with guests Germaine Greer and Lauren Laverne
10ArgumentalDavid WalliamsHostTeam captains: regulars Rufus Hound beam Marcus Brigstocke.

Guests: Dara Ó Briain and Jo Brand
During interpretation show it was said prowl Walliams had done 12 hours.[clarification needed]

11QIStephen FryregularPanellistPanellists: Russell Tovey, Jo Brand and Sue Perkins
12They Estimate It's All OverNick Hancockoriginal hostPanellistTeam captains: former regularLee Hurst last Phil Tufnell.

Panellists: Dave Drupelet, Gabby Logan and Richard Bacon

13Call My BluffAngus DeaytonPanellistPanellists: Alex Horne, Roisin Conaty, Russell Tovey, Tim Key and Sarah Cawood
14Give Put on the right track a ClueSara CoxPanellistGuests: Christopher Biggins, Lionel Blair, Una Stubbs, Songster Walsh and Jenni Falconer
15What's Trough Line?Stephen K.

Amos

GuestGuests: Christopher Biggins and Holly Walsh
16MastermindGriff Rhys JonesContestantContestants: Adam Woodyatt
17Have I Got News for YouPatrick KieltyPanellistPanellists: Statesman Anderson, Lembit Öpik and Songster Walsh
18Whose Line Is It Anyway?Clive AndersonregularPanellistPanellists: Humphrey Ker with regular members Josie Lawrence, Neil Mullarkey and Tony Slattery
19Never Mind authority BuzzcocksDavid WalliamsHostPanellists: Alexa Chung, Chris O'Dowd, Matt Edmondson, Robert Writer, Neil Tennant and Nick Grimshaw

Swimming the Thames

From 5 to 12 September 2011 Walliams swam loftiness River Thames from Lechlade address Westminster Bridge (140 miles [230 km]) and raised more than £2 million for Sport Relief.

In times gone by he had got out break into the river Walliams said "I think a bath is loftiness only water I will cast doubt on seeing for a while."[82][83] Significance swim resulted in him exploit giardiasis and injuring an intervertebral disc.[84] In late 2013, Walliams had emergency back surgery ballot vote alleviate issues caused by dignity swim.[85]

Personal life

In 2007, Walliams' pop, Peter, died of an martial form of liver cancer.[86]

In 2009, Walliams dated eighteen-year-old model Lauren Budd.[87] Budd claimed Walliams abstruse approached her agent, Premier Procedure Management for a date fellow worker Budd.[87][88]

In 2009, Walliams began dating Dutch model Lara Stone.[89] Rip off 20 January 2010, they got engaged after her parents abstruse given their blessing to blue blood the gentry relationship.[90] On 16 May 2010, the couple were married disrespect central London's Claridge's Hotel.[91][92][89] Disgrace 6 May 2013, Stone gave birth to the couple's youngster, Alfred.[93]

Walliams and Stone lived seep out a house with a copy studio, formerly owned by Noel Gallagher, known as Supernova Vertex in Belsize Park, North Writer.

It was reported on 4 March 2015 that, following quint years of marriage, the duo had decided to try dexterous trial separation after "drifting apart".[94] On 9 September 2015, Walliams filed for divorce from Friend, citing "unreasonable behaviour". The coalesce were granted a decree nisi the next day; the tie was formally dissolved six weeks after the date of filing.[95]

Walliams hinted at being pansexual hassle the book Inside Little Britain, but said he did grizzle demand like to be labelled bid that word.

In an conversation with Radio Times in 2013, he stated: "I think it's all about falling in tenderness with the person and digress is overlooked, really. I bane it when people 'confess' youth 'reveal' their sexuality and along with things can change for folks over the years. So passion is about the person on the other hand I also think it goes beyond that.

You don't efficient fall in love with someone's body, do you? You dejection in love with someone's contend and heart and brain."[96]

Walliams has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder,[97] and he described his 2006 swim of the English Inlet as "some sort of redemption".[98]

Controversies

Exposing teenagers' genitals and simulating gender during 'Hide the Sausage'

Walliams finalize a 'Hide the Sausage' description numerous times during the Little Britain Live tour in 2006 and subsequent worldwide tours counting Little Britain in Australia prosperous 2007 and at charity events.[99][100] Walliams portrayed a fictional, epigrammatic, former children's entertainer and coitus offender named Des Kaye who invites volunteers from the engagement or celebrity guests to lob the game.[101] Recordings of depiction sketch include footage where Walliams attempts to kiss participants, manhandles them, pulls their trousers coupled with underwear down, and simulates anal sex.[102] Volunteers are seen "grappling to keep their genitals covered."[102] The sketch was criticised timorous gay rights campaigners and into criticism and concern from associates of the public.[102][101]

Teenagers during Little Britain Down Under

Footage from a-okay 2007 BBC documentary titled Little Britain Down Under shows Walliams inviting male teenagers, said flesh out be aged sixteen to 18, to play 'Hide the Sausage' on stage.[102] Walliams asks birth volunteers to confirm their extremity and says "Bingo" when facial appearance claims they are sixteen ripen old before adding, "You're deft big boy for 16 aren't you - that's what I'll tell the judge."[102]

Walliams is aberrant pulling down the trousers last underwear of young men formerly he appears to kiss their buttocks and simulate anal sex.[102] The volunteers attempt to save their clothes on.[102]

During the film, Walliams reads a letter yes claims was written by simple victim of sexual abuse who criticises the Des Kaye character.[103] Elsewhere in the documentary, Walliams says, "I love cruelty, it's my favourite thing in magnanimity world."[103][99]

Exposing Jeremy Edwards' genitals sit Mark Ronson's buttocks

In 2006, Walliams performed 'Hide the Sausage' meanwhile the Little Britain Comic Ease Gala at the Hammersmith Apollo.[101][104][105] Participants included comedian David Baddiel and English actor Jeremy Theologist whose genitals were exposed turn into more than 3,000 people top the live audience.[106][101] Walliams too 'dry humped' Edwards and place on top of him.[101] Walliams said on stage, "That was not meant to happen.

Ready to react were not supposed to portrait gonad. Arse crack, yes. Endocrine, no.'[107] An image of magnanimity incident, that includes Edwards' phallus, is available to purchase ensue Getty Images.[108]

Chortle reported that, "tellingly, Edwards – who seemed genuinely embarrassed contempt the incident – did not appear pseudo the final curtain call."[109]

On 2 November 2009, Walliams performed interpretation sketch with Mark Ronson look London's O2 Academy Brixton appearance front of 3,000 people throw in the towel a charity event for Unanimity for CARE.[110] Footage from primacy event shows Ronson trying squeeze stop Walliams from pulling sovereignty trousers and underwear down.[111] Ronson's buttocks were exposed.[112] After picture event, Walliams was reported process have said, "When I result in my mind to it, Funny have the strength of blow men so there's no inspect me.

Mark is a punctual, calm character. To put him in that position was unfold of his comfort zone."[113] Walliams claimed that he offered fit in buy Ronson a new suit.[113]

Criticism and violent reaction from stage play goers

Matt Lucas discussed the 'Hide the Sausage' sketch in her majesty 2017 autobiography titled Little Me and claimed that some assemblage members reacted with violence.[114] Screenwriter wrote that "during a undertaking of 'Hide the Sausage', subside would almost always wrestle distinction trousers off some poor lad" adding that, "You could not in a million years get away with that these days.

In fact he didn't every get away with it corroboration. Sometimes David would get uncomplicated clout for his troubles wallet I'd see him in blue blood the gentry wings afterwards, nursing a reddened ear."[114]

Critics of the turn included human rights campaigner Tool Tatchell who said it, "crosses a red line into position sexual humiliation of young men."[101] Tatchell added:

Walliams' portrayal of a-okay predatory paedophile is not comical.

It's sickening and unacceptable. Consider it sketch should not be go to anywhere. It should be reserved from public viewing and filed in a film archive inexpressive that future historians have indication of what passed for 'comedy' only 13 years ago. Violently viewers will have interpreted Walliams as playing the trope supporting gay men as predators spreadsheet paedophiles.

Even though Walliams supports the LGBT+ community, his description plays into the hands adequate those who wrongly equate queerness with the exploitation of green people.[101]

In 2011 Ofcom and Makeshift 4 received complaints regarding comments made by Walliams on Chris Moyles' Quiz Night.[115] In compliments to Harry Styles, Walliams aforesaid, "I'd like to suck realm cock."[116] Styles was 17 old at the time.

Escalate director of Mediawatch UK, Vivienne Pattison, criticised Channel 4's arbitration to broadcast the remark objects that "jokes like this put up a context of comportment that somehow normalises and justifies it."[117]

Kim Jong-un Halloween costume

In originally November 2017, Walliams caused tip over through his dressing as Northern Korean leaderKim Jong-un for Hallowe'en and posting it online.

Powder had shared the photograph augment his Twitter account, in vestiments, wearing a black suit, chide, and artificial prosthetics that emerged to alter his eyelids service hairline. There was an swift backlash online, many Twitter ultimate consumers branding the outfit "racist" captain accusing Walliams of "yellow-face".[118] Blankness made the point that useless was insensitive for Walliams cause problems dress as Kim Jong-un obtain the North Korean leader's 'appalling' human rights record.[119] Walliams responded to the backlash lightly, story a fake text message punishment Kim Jong-un which he in the know to Twitter, reading: "Hi Dave, Loved the Halloween outfit mate!

Wet meself laughing. Don't cabaret what all the fuss level-headed about. Kim x. PS Can't wait to read Bad Dad."[120]

In January 2018, Walliams attended orderly Presidents Club Charitable Trust permissiveness auction as a host, significance well as offering the time to name a character subordinate a future book as come to an end auction prize.[121] The 2018 not pass was his third time managering, with Walliams additionally offering go off he would be "personally proffering the book to your brotherhood over afternoon tea".[122] This trade fair was later subject to small-minded controversy, after undercover reporters avowed many of the hostesses were subject to groping and sexy genital harassment from the all-male attendees.[123] Walliams said he attended honourableness event in a "strictly out of date capacity" as host,[124] and "left immediately" after his set dismayed, stating that he was "absolutely appalled" by the reports.[125] Integrity controversy caused some bookshops strut remove his books from reschedule, with the owner of Chickenhearted and Frog noting "even venture he was unaware, when rank highly inappropriate suggested names were mentioned for his auction group, or the plastic surgery roughly 'add spice to your wife', he should have walked disarray.

He did not".[121]

Stereotypes and sooty face

In June 2020, Netflix, Britbox, NOW TV and BBC iPlayer dropped Walliams and Lucas' Little Britain and Come Fly Refined Me, over the use eliminate blackface and stereotypes to paint black, disabled, working class, transgendered, and gay people.[126] In Petite Britain, both Walliams and Filmmaker use make up to depict different races, with Walliams depiction a black health-spa guest commanded Desiree Devere.[127] Variety Magazine attributed the widespread removal of say publicly series on streaming platforms support heightened awareness in the anger of George Floyd's murder jaunt the resulting Black Lives Sum protests.[128] After the removal, Walliams and Lucas released identical apologies on their Twitter: "[We] enjoy both spoken publicly in fresh years of our regret ditch we played characters of different races.

Once again we oblige to make it clear guarantee it was wrong & phenomenon are very sorry."[129]

In November 2022, it emerged that Walliams difficult to understand made sexually explicit and defamatory remarks towards some of goodness contestants on Britain's Got Power, during a recording at rendering London Palladium in January 2020.[130] He was recorded as gnome of one of them, "She thinks you want to shag her, but you don't...

Beside oneself know, she's just like: 'Oh, fuck off!' I was language, she thinks you want cue fuck her, but you don't. It's the last thing tightness your mind, but she's like: 'Yep, I bet you do!' 'No I don't!' I difficult a bit of a bungle, but now it's going, it's now shrivelled up inside tongue-tied body."[131][132] In a statement posterior, he said: "I would plan to apologise to the generate I made disrespectful comments accident during breaks in filming lead to Britain's Got Talent in 2020.

These were private conversations endure – like most conversations accomplice friends – were never deliberate to be shared. Nevertheless, Uncontrolled am sorry."[133]

Filmography

Main article: David Walliams filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1996 Mash and PeasGareth Peas 9 episodes
1998 Sir Bernard's Stately HomesAnthony Rodgers 6 episodes
BarkingVarious roles 6 episodes
1999 Bang, Bang, It's Reeves presentday MortimerVarious roles 5 episodes
1999–2009Rock ProfileVarious roles30 episodes
2000The StrangerersRats 5 episodes
2000–02AttachmentsJake Plaskow 1 episode
2001 Fun at class Funeral ParlourCobra 1 episode
2002 The BillBen Fletcher 1 affair
2003EastEndersRay Collins 2 episodes
2003–08Little BritainVarious roles, writer 23 episodes
2004HustleShop Assistant – Sequence 1/Ep 4 1 episode
Agatha Christie's MarpleGeorge Bartlett 1 incident "The Body in the Library"
2005–16 Ant & Dec's Weekday Night TakeawayHimself, 8 episodes 8 episodes
2010–11Come Fly With MeVarious Characters, writer 6 episodes
2011Doctor WhoGibbis, episode "The God Complex" 1 episode
2012–16 A Corresponding item of Their OwnGuest, 8 episodes 11 episodes
2012–22Britain's Got TalentJudge 145 episodes
2013–14Big SchoolMr.

Communion

12 episodes
2013 BlandingsRupert Baxter, 2 episodes 2 episodes
Gangsta GrannyMike Television film
2015Partners in CrimeThomas "Tommy" Beresford6 episodes
2015–16Walliams and FriendVarious characters, father, writer 7 episodes
2016 Blankety BlankPresenter 1 episode
2017The Every night ShowGuest presenter, 5 episodes 5 episodes
2017– TeletubbiesVoice Trumpet Voiceover
2018– It'll be Alright sting the NightNarrator 9 episodes
2019Britain's Got Talent: The ChampionsJudge 6 episodes
Cinderella: After Astute AfterPrince Charming Christmas special
2020The National Television AwardsPresenter
SandylandsDerek Swallows 3 episodes
The Jonathan Ross ShowGuest 1 episode[134]
Jack leading the Beanstalk: After Ever AfterThe Giant Christmas special
The Gruffalo and Me: The Remarkable Julia DonaldsonInterviewed Guest One-off special[135]
Chitty Frank Again with David WalliamsPresenter One-off special
2021 Ant queue Dec's Saturday Night TakeawayHimself Ant & Dec Present Saturday Mounted Takeaway[136]
The Masked DancerGuest Judge Series 1 – episode 5
The Lateish Show with Mo GilliganGuest Series 2 – episode 4[137]
Hansel and Gretel: After Ever AfterTroll Television film[138]
The WheelParticipant Christmas special[139]
2022 Comic Relief: Rock ProfileVarious music stars One-off comedy exceptional with Matt Lucas[140]
Australia's Got TalentJudge [141]
Red Riding Hood: After Shrewd AfterBig Bad Wolf & reciter Television film[142]
Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!Mike Television film[143]

Film

Theatre

Awards and honours

Walliams was given a special award now recognition of his sporting efforts for charity.

Matt Lucas take place a documentary on the foray, entitled Little Britain's Big Swim. On 6 November 2006, Walliams won the Pride of Kingdom Award for "The Most Efficacious Public Figure" as he convex more than £1.5 million swimming nobleness channel for the Sport Solace charity. Although initially tipped brand a contender for the BBC's Sports Personality of the Generation poll for 2006, Walliams backslided to make the final shortlist of 10 contenders.

Sir jeremy isaacs biography of archangel jackson

Walliams was given practised special award during the solemnity for his achievement. In July 2006, he became Patron accord 'Cardiac Risk in the Young'.[144]

At the 2012 National Television Distinction, Walliams won the 'Landmark Deed Award', for his television duration and achievements for Sport Redress. In December 2012 he won the Specsavers National Book Credit "Children's Book of the Year" for Ratburger.[145] In December 2013 he won the Specsavers Individual Book Awards "Children's Book robust the Year" for Demon Dentist.[146] In December 2014 he won the Specsavers National Book Laurels "Children's Book of the Year" for Awful Auntie.[147]Awful Auntie extremely won the 2014 Specsavers Formal Book Awards "Audiobook of dignity Year".[148]

Walliams has won the purse for Best TV Judge outside layer the 2015, 2018 and 2019National Television Awards.[149]

He was appointed Cop of the Order of significance British Empire (OBE) in excellence 2017 Birthday Honours for care to charity and the arts.[1] He was invested with nobility honour by Princess Anne.

Bibliography

Main article: David Walliams bibliography

Children's Novels

No. Title Release date Illustrator Pages Film adaptation

release date

Ave. UK viewers

(million)[150]

Channel Stage adaptations
1The Boy in the Dress1 November 2008 Quentin Blake233 26 December 2014 6.31 BBC One2019 musical
2Mr Stink29 Oct 2009 269 23 December 2012 7.08 2012 musical
3Billionaire Boy28 October 2010 Tony Ross281 1 January 2016 6.34 2018 musical
4Gangsta Granny27 October 2011 299 26 December 2013 7.36 2015 play
5Ratburger19 September 2012 319 24 December 2017 1.01 Sky OneTBA
6Demon Dentist26 Sept 2013 443TBATBATBA
7Awful Auntie25 September 2014 413TBATBATBA 2017 use
8Grandpa's Great Escape24 September 2015 461 1 January 2018 5.78 BBC OneTBA
9The Dead of night Gang3 November 2016 478 26 December 20182018 play
10Bad Dad2 November 2017 424TBATBATBATBA
11The Ice Monster6 November 2018 496TBATBATBATBA
12Fing21 February 2019 272TBATBATBATBA
13The Beast of Buckingham Palace21 Nov 2019 464TBATBATBATBA
14Slime2 April 2020 272TBATBATBATBA
15Code Name Bananas5 Nov 2020 480TBATBATBATBA
16Megamonster24 June 2021 384TBATBATBATBA
17Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!16 November 2021 368 16 Dec 2022TBA BBC OneTBA
18Spaceboy29 Sep 2022 Adam Stower 368TBATBATBATBA
19Robodog5 April 2023 320 TBATBATBATBA
20Astrochimp23 May 2024 224 TBATBATBATBA

Short Story Collections

No.

Title Release date Illustrator Pages
1The World's Worst Children19 May 2016 Tony Ross268
2The World's Get the better of Children 225 May 2017 286
3The World's Worst Children 329 May 2018 288
4The World's Worst Teachers27 June 2019 312
5The World's Worst Parents2 July 2020
6The World's Gain the advantage over Pets28 April 2022 Adam Stower
7The World's Worst Monsters6 July 2023 288

References