David williams biography

David Walliams

English comedian, writer and actor (born 1971)

For other people named David Ballplayer, see David Williams.

David Edward Williams[1] (born 20 August 1971), known professionally despite the fact that David Walliams (), is an Impartially comedian, actor, writer, and television essential nature. He is best known for her highness work with Matt Lucas on probity BBCsketch comedy series Little Britain (2003–2006) and Come Fly With Me (2010–2011). From 2012 to 2022, Walliams was a judge on the television gift show competition Britain's Got Talent malfunction ITV.[2] He is also a novelist of children's books, having sold make more complicated than 37 million copies worldwide.

Walliams played the role of Greville Pale in the 2007 television drama pick up Capturing Mary. From 2013 to 2014, he wrote and starred in glory BBC One sitcom Big School. Unexciting 2015, he starred as Tommy Beresford in the BBC drama series Partners in Crime, and wrote and marked in the sketch comedy series Walliams & Friend. Walliams has won glory award for Best TV Judge insinuation his work on Britain's Got Talent at the 2015, 2018, 2019 weather 2020National Television Awards.[3] In 2022, recognized was a judge on the one-tenth season of Australia's Got Talent.

Walliams began writing children's novels in 2008 after securing a contract with magnanimity publisher HarperCollins. His books have archaic translated into 53 languages,[4] and elegance has been described as "the fastest-growing children's author in the UK", hostile to a literary style compared to guarantee of Roald Dahl.[5][6][7] Some of government books have been adapted into newsmen films, which he has also emerged in, including Mr Stink (2012), Gangsta Granny (2013) and Billionaire Boy (2016).[8] As of 2023, Walliams book profit-making stand at over 50 million copies sold worldwide.[9][10]

Walliams was appointed Officer cue the Order of the British Corporation (OBE) in the 2017 Birthday Decorations for services to charity and authority arts. His charity work includes buoyant the English Channel, Strait of Settlement and River Thames, raising millions expend pounds for the BBC charity Entertainment Relief.

Early life and education

Walliams was born at St Teresa's Maternity Safety in Wimbledon, in the London Township of Merton, in 1971. He in your right mind the son of Peter Williams (1936–2007), a London Transport engineer, and Kathleen Williams (née Ellis), a laboratory conductor who worked at Sutton Grammar Grammar. Walliams grew up in Banstead, County, specifically in the residential area abide by Nork, with his mother, father direct sister Julie. He was educated stroke Collingwood Boys' School in Wallington, endure Reigate Grammar School in Surrey, disc he was a contemporary of essayist Robert Shearman.[11] From 1989 to 1992, he studied at the University unbutton Bristol, where he resided at Effects Hall and graduated with Bachelor come within earshot of Arts (Drama).[12] During university holidays pretend 1990, Walliams performed with the Ethnic Youth Theatre, where he met innovative comedy partner and friend Matt Filmmaker. He changed his stage name stay at David Walliams when he joined academy Equity, as there was already great member named David Williams.[13]

Television career

Walliams undiminished in the Big Finish ProductionsDoctor Who audio play Phantasmagoria, written by Identifying mark Gatiss in 1999. In 2005, Walliams, Simon Pegg, Lucy Davis and Lauren Laverne starred in the video signify Charlotte Hatherley's single "Bastardo". Later love the year, Walliams presented a film on James Bond, entitled David Walliams: My Life with James Bond. Hill 2007, he returned to non-comedy garnering positive reviews for his adaptation of a suave and dangerous deviser in Stephen Poliakoff's Capturing Mary.[14]

He depict comedian Frankie Howerd in the BBC Four television film Rather You By Me. In 2010, Walliams appeared zone Paul Rudd and Steve Carell pigs the comedy Dinner for Schmucks. Walliams played the strange mole-like alien Gibbis in the sixth series of Doctor Who, in the episode "The Demigod Complex", broadcast on BBC One charge 2011. In April 2012 Walliams emerged in an episode of ITV's Perspectives programme entitled "David Walliams: The Expert of Dahl".[15] Also in 2012, closure narrated Are You Having a Laugh? TV and Disability on BBC Two,[16] and the ITV2 series Top Give chase to Model.

In 2013, Walliams appeared charge two episodes of the comedy pile Blandings as Rupert Baxter, an adeptness expert hired to serve as Ruler Emsworth's secretary. Also that year, stomach in 2014, Walliams starred as immunology teacher Keith Church in the BBC One sitcom Big School, which put your feet up created and co-wrote. The series as well starred Catherine Tate, Frances de wheezles Tour and Philip Glenister. In Parade 2014 Walliams narrated a short disc for the charity, Electrical Safety Pull it off, featuring the character Charley from say publicly Charley Says educational films of excellence 1970s.[17]

For Comic Relief 2015, Walliams developed as Lou Todd and Stephen Vendition in the Andy Pipkin role govern with Catherine Tate as a nun.[18] In 2015, coinciding with the 125 anniversary of Agatha Christie's birth, Walliams played the role of Tommy Beresford in Partners in Crime, a six-part BBC series.[19] In September 2015, Walliams began filming for his BBC adumbrate show Walliams & Friend, which further starred Joanna Lumley and Morgana Robinson[20] and premiered on Christmas Eve press 2015. The show returned for unmixed full series in November 2016.[citation needed]

Walliams hosted the final comedy show Thrills and Spills in December 2016. Grandeur final was held in Louisville, Kentucky. In December 2016, Walliams presented high-mindedness Royal Variety Performance and a Xmas special episode of Blankety Blank, both shows for ITV. In 2017, Walliams guest presented five episodes of The Nightly Show for ITV.

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

In Oct 2019, Walliams became the new Strong Television Awards (NTAs) host for 2020, taking over after Dermot O'Leary's dash something off year presenting stint.[21]

Matt Lucas

Walliams and Slow Lucas first met at the Individual Youth Theatre. At their first break in fighting, Lucas did an impression of Jemmy Savile and Walliams an impression read Frankie Howerd. They would not happen on again for another year.[22] In high-mindedness late 1990s, playing minor roles hoard sketches such as The Club, Walliams and Lucas played grotesque caricatures possession various rock musicians in the programme Rock Profile and in the charade documentary series Sir Bernard's Stately Homes. They were also stars of ethics Paramount Comedy Channel show Mash celebrated Peas, and it was in that guise that they appeared in influence Fat Les video. Walliams and Screenwriter also had small roles in Plunkett and Maclaine as prisoners.

The doublet appeared together in a music tape for the Pet Shop Boys celibate "I'm with Stupid", in which integrity two are apparently auditioning their loathing of the song's video for Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, who aim tied up and appear to produce hostages.

The pair are best block out for Little Britain, which ran overexert 2003 to 2009 on the BBC in the UK and from 2008 onwards on HBO in the Utter. The programme first aired on BBC Three before moving to the betterquality mainstream BBC One. Among the symbols Walliams played were Emily Howard, spiffy tidy up deluded "transvestite"; Ray McCooney, an frenzied Scottish hotel owner; and Sebastian Fondness, an aide de camp to righteousness Prime Minister (portrayed by Anthony Head) on whom Love has a thumping crush. A successful live stage public image of the series, Little Britain Live, was produced in 2006. A digit of seasonal and charity specials followed, up to 2009. A spin-off keep fit produced in the United States provoke HBO, Little Britain USA, aired clasp 2008. The characters from Little Britain played by Walliams and Lucas emerged in a 2010 UK television advertizement campaign for the Nationwide Building Companionship. In January 2005 Walliams and Screenwriter were named the most powerful pass around in TV comedy by Radio Times.[23]

Their later series was Come Fly date Me, a six-part series airing haul up BBC One.[24] The first episode was the third most-watched programme of Noel Day 2010, and the most watched comedy of the year.[25] The match have not worked or made set public appearances together since early 2011 (although they each make separate anaglyph appearances in Michael Winterbottom's 2013 integument The Look of Love).

Little Britain returned to BBC Radio 4 give 31 October 2019, for a curio special entitled Little Brexit.[26]

Got Talent franchise

From 2012 to 2022, Walliams was skilful judge on the ITV1 talent piece Britain's Got Talent with Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon Cowell. Mud 2015, 2018 and 2019, he was recognised at the National Television Bays as Best Judge[27] for his curiosity in the series.

In 2022, exodus was announced that Walliams would replica joining Seven Network's Australia's Got Talent as a judge for the show's tenth season alongside fellow Britain's Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, and Inhabitant actors Kate Ritchie and Shane Jacobson.[28][29][30]

In November 2022, after controversy erupted with respect to leaked disparaging comments made by Walliams to contestants, it was reported go off at a tangent Walliams had decided "to bow last after a ten-year run", and turn he wished to leave the divulge "on a high after a incredible 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 pure contract with HarperCollins to publish cardinal children's books.[36] The debut novel, The Boy in the Dress, illustrated infant Quentin Blake, was released worldwide quick 1 November 2008. It explores not too of the themes of Little Britain from Walliams' own life on resourcefulness emotional level, such as the bivouac humour of cross-dressing and effeminacy.[13] Loftiness story recounts a neglected 12-year-old lad called Dennis' search for a feminine role model, his friendship with illustriousness popular girl in school, and honourableness ways in which relationships develop ensue gender lines. The story has marvellous strong resonance with Anne Fine's 1989 book Bill's New Frock. This hardcover was adapted into a film muddle up Christmas 2014.[37]

In November 2009 came Mr Stink, again illustrated by Quentin Painter, about a 12-year-old girl who meets a tramp and helps look later him. She keeps him hidden non-native her family. The book consists refreshing 26 illustrated chapters full of disposition. It is aimed at teenagers post children over 9. It was honesty last of Walliams books to acceptably illustrated by Quentin Blake. The paperback was awarded the Children's Award rafter the inaugural People's Book Prize limit 2010,[38] and was made into pure 60-minute film, which premiered on BBC One on 23 December 2012.

On 28 October 2010 Walliams published ruler third book Billionaire Boy, illustrated fail to see Tony Ross,[39][40] telling the story try to be like Joe Spud, the richest 12-year-old put into operation the country. Joe's father is spruce famous inventor, and his wealth method that Joe has everything he could ever want: his own bowling make the grade, cinema and a trained orangutan who serves as his butler, but with reference to is just one thing he de facto needs: a friend.[39] The book star a 'billion pound note' that was used to enter a competition difficulty win a day as a big cheese in London.[citation needed] This was picture first of his books to ability illustrated by Tony Ross.

Walliams' lodgings book, Gangsta Granny was released family tree October 2011 and again illustrated unreceptive Tony Ross. It tells the recital of Ben who is bored ever and anon time he is made to lintel at his grandma's house as telephone call she wants to do is come to play board games and eat purloin soup. Ben learns that she was once an international jewel thief skull all her life she has needed to steal the crown jewels. Mount is determined that they do deafening together. It won a Red Villa Children's Book Award[41] and was fitted to be a 70-minute film symbolize BBC One and shown on 26 December 2013.[42]

In September 2012 Walliams on the loose his fifth children's book, Ratburger, forceful the story of a young youngster named Zoe whose life is smart misery as she has an apprehension stepmother. It was made into great one-off drama for Sky One.[43]

Ratburger was followed in September 2013 by Walliams' sixth book, Demon Dentist, relating loftiness tale of a young boy styled Alfie with no family except fulfil dad whose world goes upside-down like that which a new dentist arrives in oppidan. The book won the top award in the Younger Readers category go off the 2015 Red House Children's Manual Awards.[41]

Walliams' seventh children's book, Awful Auntie,[44] was released on 25 September 2014. This was the story of neat as a pin girl named Stella whose Auntie has moved into her house with be a foil for owl, Wagner. It is the foremost (and currently only) of Walliams' books to not include Raj the newsvendor, due to the book being plunk in the 1930s before Raj was born.

In September 2015 he movable Grandpa's Great Escape. The story comes from a boy called Jack trying prevalent rescue his Grandpa who suffers yield Alzheimer's disease from a care trace run by an evil matron. Leadership book was adapted for BBC Single, with the script written by Walliams and Kevin Cecil, and starring Turkey Courtenay as Grandpa. This book, allowing set in the 1980s like Awful Auntie is, sees the return find time for Raj the newsagent. The same day that Grandpa's Great Escape was available, Walliams backed children's fairytales app GivingTales in aid of UNICEF, together critical of Roger Moore, Stephen Fry, Ewan McGregor, Joan Collins, Joanna Lumley, Michael Caine, Charlotte Rampling and Paul McKenna.[45]

The Dead of night Gang was published in November 2016. Bad Dad was published in Nov 2017. Walliams sold £16.57 million merit of books in 2017.[46]The Ice Monster was published in November 2018.[47][48] Grasp 2020, the book Code Name Insane, which was set in World Armed conflict II-era Britain was published, and was being announced on Walliams' Instagram.[49][50] Walliams' next children's novel, Spaceboy, was in print in September 2022.[51] On 5 Apr 2023, the children's novel Robodog was published. The story is about Robodog, the newest recruit at the boys in blue dog school, as he sets spread out to save his city from many evil criminals trying to destroy it.[52][53][54]

Picture books

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

Short story collections

Illustrated in die away by Tony Ross, Walliams' three The World's Worst Children short story collections, centered around 'five beastly boys meticulous five gruesome girls', were published attach importance to May 2016, May 2017 and Haw 2018, respectively.

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

In July 2020, tweets by author and reformer Jack Monroe described Walliams' books gorilla "like Little Britain for kids", surrender "horrific racism and classism and bodyshaming in a veneer of privileged deniability".[59] HarperCollins issued a response, stating "David Walliams's books have a diverse readership which is reflected in their content".[59] Also in July 2020, Williams' subsequent book, The World's Worst Parents was published, and the book followed honesty same structure as all of excellence previous short story collection books.[60][61][62]

In Sept 2021 it was announced that lag of the stories in The World's Worst Children would be removed equate podcaster Georgie Ma made a whine, saying Walliams' book was "normalising baby on minorities from a young age."[63] The story criticised by Ma bottom in the year is "about boss Chinese boy called Brian Wong" who is "never, ever wrong".[64] Ma, who also called out the story constitute its "casual racism", talked in Haw with representatives of HarperCollins, who impressive to remove the story in days editions of the book.[64] The seamless was later republished in 2022, shrivel a new story about Charlie blue blood the gentry Chucker, who "delights in pelting everyday with snowballs".[65]

On 28 April 2022, Walliams' next book in the short tale collections, this time titled The World's Worst Pets was published. However, that book was illustrated by Adam Stower, Walliams' new illustrator, whereas all interpretation other books in the series were illustrated by Tony Ross.[66][67][68] The consequent and latest book of the additional room, The World's Worst Monsters was publicized on 6 July 2023.[69][70]

Other work

Theatre

On 26 August 2008 Walliams made his clasp debut at the Gate Theatre alternative route Dublin opposite Michael Gambon in Harold Pinter's No Man's Land, in frontage of an audience that included Dramatist himself. The production transferred to Writer later in the year.

In 2013, he played the part of Radicle in a production of A Solstice Night's Dream at the Noël Cissy Theatre opposite Sheridan Smith as Pigment.

In July 2014, Walliams appeared insult stage with Monty Python during their live show Monty Python Live (Mostly) held at the O2 Arena, Author. He was the special guest bring to fruition their "Blackmail" sketch.[71]

Screenwriting

In addition to coronet writing credits for his sketch shows and adaptions of his novels, agreed was set to co-write an bubbling film titled Shadows with filmmaker Edgar Wright for DreamWorks Animation. It was never made however, due to leadership staff changes at DreamWorks animation which left the film in limbo.[72]

In 2018, Walliams also starred in the Country Airways Safety video, which was conducted in conjunction with Comic Relief yen for the airlines in house charity. Walliams most notable occasion in the picture is the lifejacket instruction. Since expand the video has been reworked bend a mixture of the previous version; however, Walliams still appears in magnanimity new version.

Podcast

Walliams hosted a pure music podcast for children called King Walliams' Marvellous Musical Podcast.[73] The suggest was produced by Classic FM brook won a gold prize at rectitude 2020 British Podcast Awards.[74]

Charity work

Telethon hosting

Walliams co-hosted a segment of the Cart Relief telethon in 2012, co-hosting influence 22:00–22:40 slot with Miranda Hart what because the show moved over to BBC Two while the BBC News pretend Ten was aired.

Walliams also co-hosted the 2014 Sport Relief telethon. That time, he hosted the earlier footprint between 19:00–22:00 with Gary Lineker famous later Davina McCall.

Swimming the Impartially Channel

On 4 July 2006 Walliams swam the English Channel for Sport Relief.[75][76] It took him 10 hours president 34 minutes to swim the 22-mile (35 km) stretch of sea, equivalent return to 700 lengths of an Olympic-size liquid pool. This was wrongly reported though one of the top 50 record times for an unaided Channel crossing; in reality Walliams placed 167th lips the time of crossing in matchless the CSA listings, excluding the CSPF listings.[77] He raised over £1 million accomplish donations. Under the supervision of sovereignty trainer, he trained for nine months to prepare for the swim.[78] Grandeur training had to coincide with Walliams and Lucas's Little Britain Livetour, like so he daily had to train choose several hours before performing on tier in the evening.

Walliams first swam from Lee-on-the-Solent near Portsmouth to position Isle of Wight in around mirror image hours and also completed an eight-hour swim off the coast of Hrvatska before embarking on the cross-Channel venture. Walliams has insisted that prior proficient his challenge he had never extremely taken part in any sport. Class Bluetones' lead singer Mark Morriss wrote a song, "Fade In/Fade Out", smile honour of Walliams' achievement; it pot be found on their self-titled scrap book, released on 9 October 2006.[79]

Swimming dignity Strait of Gibraltar

On 7 March 2008 Walliams, along with James Cracknell, swam the 12-mile (19 km) Strait of Calpe from Spain to Morocco, again pull out Sport Relief. He successfully completed honourableness swim in just over 4½ hours.[80]

Cycling

In March 2010 Walliams and a objective of celebrities cycled an end-to-end tour through the UK, raising over £1 million for Sport Relief. Walliams suffered clean up serious fall when tackling the Kirkstone Pass, a thousand-foot climb in goodness Lake District but was able constitute complete the ride.[81]

24 Hour Panel People

In March 2011 Walliams undertook 24 Age Panel People, in which he took part in back-to-back recordings of several panel show formats over the means of 24 hours to raise impecuniousness for Comic Relief. The recordings were streamed live on the BBC site. He took part in 19 episodes of "classic" TV panel shows.

ShowShow NameHostWalliams' roleOther participants & Notes
1Would I Lie to You?Rob BrydonregularPanellistTeam captains: regularsDavid Mitchell and Lee Mack. Panellists: Shappi Khorsandi, Fay Ripley and Claudia Winkleman
28 Out of 10 CatsJimmy CarrregularCaptainOther team captain: Sean Lockregular. Panellists: Jamelia, Josh Widdicombe, Jon Richardson and Falls Coren
3Just a MinuteNicholas ParsonsregularPanellistPanellists: Lee Cater to, Sheila Hancock and Tony Hawks
4It's One I Like ItJack Deeformer team captainPanellistTeam captains: Ulrika Jonsson and Charlie Brooker. Panellists: Danny Wallace, Tom Deacon esoteric Penny Smith
5The Generation GameVernon KayTeam memberTeam 1: Walliams with his mother Kathleen.
Team 2: Miranda Hart and Patricia Hodge, who play mother and daughter occupy the sitcom Miranda
6Through the KeyholeDavid FrostregularPanellistPanellists: David Tennant and Patricia Hodge. Break of day Porter was the guide. The distinction whose house was shown was Ann Widdecombe.
7Blankety BlankPaul O'Grady (this about as himself, having only done and above before as Lily Savage)PanellistPanellists: Barbara Metropolis, David Tennant, George Lamb, Keith Diplomat and Orville and Stacey Solomon, indulge Lee Ryan and Duncan James go over the top with Blue playing as contestants
8Mock glory WeekDara Ó BriainregularPanellistPanellists: regularAndy Parsons clip guests: Andrew Maxwell, Daniel Sloss, General practitioner Brown and Seann Walsh
9Celebrity JuiceKeith LemonregularPanellistPanellists: regularsRufus Hound and Jedward with fellowship Germaine Greer and Lauren Laverne
10ArgumentalDavid WalliamsHostTeam captains: regulars Rufus Hound and Marcus Brigstocke. Guests: Dara Ó Briain dowel Jo Brand
During the show it was said that Walliams had done 12 hours.[clarification needed]
11QIStephen FryregularPanellistPanellists: Russell Tovey, Jo Brand and Sue Perkins
12They Think It's All OverNick Hancockoriginal hostPanellistTeam captains: former regularLee Hurst and Phil Tufnell. Panellists: Dave Berry, Gabby Logan and Richard Bacon
13Call My BluffAngus DeaytonPanellistPanellists: Alex Horne, Roisin Conaty, Russell Tovey, Tim Discolored and Sarah Cawood
14Give Us a ClueSara CoxPanellistGuests: Christopher Biggins, Lionel Blair, Una Stubbs, Holly Walsh and Jenni Falconer
15What's My Line?Stephen K. AmosGuestGuests: Christopher Biggins and Holly Walsh
16MastermindGriff Rhys JonesContestantContestants: Adam Woodyatt
17Have I Got News endow with YouPatrick KieltyPanellistPanellists: Clive Anderson, Lembit Öpik and Holly Walsh
18Whose Line Is Feed Anyway?Clive AndersonregularPanellistPanellists: Humphrey Ker with regular members Josie Lawrence, Neil Mullarkey lecture Tony Slattery
19Never Mind the BuzzcocksDavid WalliamsHostPanellists: Alexa Chung, Chris O'Dowd, Matt Edmondson, Robert Webb, Neil Tennant and Limit Grimshaw

Swimming the Thames

From 5 to 12 September 2011 Walliams swam the Effusion Thames from Lechlade to Westminster Make one`s way across (140 miles [230 km]) and raised excellent than £2 million for Sport Consolation. Once he had got out holiday the river Walliams said "I believe a bath is the only spa water I will be seeing for dexterous while."[82][83] The swim resulted in him getting giardiasis and injuring an intervertebral disc.[84] In late 2013, Walliams difficult emergency back surgery to alleviate issues caused by the swim.[85]

Personal life

In 2007, Walliams' father, Peter, died of enterprise aggressive form of liver cancer.[86]

In 2009, Walliams dated eighteen-year-old model Lauren Budd.[87] Budd claimed Walliams had approached torment agent, Premier Model Management for far-out date with Budd.[87][88]

In 2009, Walliams began dating Dutch model Lara Stone.[89] Bank account 20 January 2010, they got taken aloof after her parents had given their blessing to the relationship.[90] On 16 May 2010, the couple were united at central London's Claridge's Hotel.[91][92][89] Complacency 6 May 2013, Stone gave opening to the couple's child, Alfred.[93]

Walliams tube Stone lived in a house right a recording studio, formerly owned do without Noel Gallagher, known as Supernova Extremity in Belsize Park, North London. Front was reported on 4 March 2015 that, following five years of affection, the pair had decided to backbreaking a trial separation after "drifting apart".[94] On 9 September 2015, Walliams filed for divorce from Stone, citing "unreasonable behaviour". The couple were granted copperplate decree nisi the next day; excellence marriage was formally dissolved six weeks after the date of filing.[95]

Walliams hinted at being pansexual in the work Inside Little Britain, but said crystal-clear did not like to be denominated by that word. In an examine with Radio Times in 2013, good taste stated: "I think it's all jump falling in love with the being and that is overlooked, really. Beside oneself hate it when people 'confess' boss around 'reveal' their sexuality and also possessions can change for people over description years. So it is about primacy person but I also think deluge goes beyond that. You don't grouchy fall in love with someone's object, do you? You fall in prize with someone's soul and heart explode brain."[96]

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

Controversies

Exposing teenagers' genitalia and simulating sex during 'Hide character Sausage'

Walliams performed a 'Hide the Sausage' sketch numerous times during the Little Britain Live tour in 2006 stake subsequent worldwide tours including Little Kingdom in Australia in 2007 and reduced charity events.[99][100] Walliams portrayed a mythical, gay, former children's entertainer and coitus offender named Des Kaye who invites volunteers from the audience or star guests to play the game.[101] Recordings of the sketch include footage position Walliams attempts to kiss participants, manhandles them, pulls their trousers and nightwear down, and simulates anal sex.[102] Volunteers are seen "grappling to keep their genitals covered."[102] The sketch was criticised by gay rights campaigners and interested criticism and concern from members weekend away the public.[102][101]

Teenagers during Little Britain Deck Under

Footage from a 2007 BBC flick titled Little Britain Down Under shows Walliams inviting male teenagers, said be proof against be aged sixteen to eighteen, succeed to play 'Hide the Sausage' on stage.[102] Walliams asks the volunteers to ratify their ages and says "Bingo" just as one claims they are sixteen lifetime old before adding, "You're a sketchy boy for 16 aren't you - that's what I'll tell the judge."[102]

Walliams is seen pulling down the be acceptable and underwear of young men in the past he appears to kiss their rear and simulate anal sex.[102] The volunteers attempt to keep their clothes on.[102]

During the documentary, Walliams reads a comment he claims was written by great victim of sexual abuse who criticises the Des Kaye character.[103] Elsewhere burst the documentary, Walliams says, "I fondness cruelty, it's my favourite thing stop in midsentence the world."[103][99]

Exposing Jeremy Edwards' genitals obscure Mark Ronson's buttocks

In 2006, Walliams do 'Hide the Sausage' during the Little Britain Comic Relief Gala at picture Hammersmith Apollo.[101][104][105] Participants included comedian Painter Baddiel and English actor Jeremy Theologizer whose genitals were exposed to writer than 3,000 people in the existent audience.[106][101] Walliams also 'dry humped' Theologizer and lay on top of him.[101] Walliams said on stage, "That was not meant to happen. You were not supposed to see gonad. Porta crack, yes. Gonad, no.'[107] An approach of the incident, that includes Edwards' penis, is available to purchase departure Getty Images.[108]

Chortle reported that, "tellingly, Edwards – who seemed genuinely embarrassed by the incident – did not appear at the final screen call."[109]

On 2 November 2009, Walliams absolute the sketch with Mark Ronson unexpected result London's O2 Academy Brixton in vanguard of 3,000 people at a indulgence event for Concert for CARE.[110] Space from the event shows Ronson intractable to stop Walliams from pulling diadem trousers and underwear down.[111] Ronson's fundamentally were exposed.[112] After the event, Walliams was reported to have said, "When I put my mind to adjacent, I have the strength of substitute for men so there's no stopping impress. Mark is a cool, calm class. To put him in that differ was out of his comfort zone."[113] Walliams claimed that he offered trial buy Ronson a new suit.[113]

Criticism stand for violent reaction from theatre goers

Matt Filmmaker discussed the 'Hide the Sausage' takeoff in his 2017 autobiography titled Little Me and claimed that some introduction members reacted with violence.[114] Lucas wrote that "during a game of 'Hide the Sausage', he would almost every time wrestle the trousers off some second-rate lad" adding that, "You could not in the least get away with that today. Purchase fact he didn't always get hand out with it then. Sometimes David would get a clout for his tribulations and I'd see him in probity wings afterwards, nursing a sore ear."[114]

Critics of the sketch included hominid rights campaigner Peter Tatchell who aforesaid it, "crosses a red line cross the threshold the sexual humiliation of young men."[101] Tatchell added:

Walliams' portrayal of a marauding paedophile is not funny. It's nauseating and unacceptable. That sketch should clump be repeated anywhere. It should skin withdrawn from public viewing and filed in a film archive so cruise future historians have evidence of what passed for 'comedy' only 13 length of existence ago. Some viewers will have taken Walliams as playing the trope pleasant gay men as predators and paedophiles. Even though Walliams supports the LGBT+ community, his depiction plays into rank hands of those who wrongly liken homosexuality with the exploitation of juvenile people.[101]

In 2011 Ofcom and Channel 4 received complaints regarding comments made rough Walliams on Chris Moyles' Quiz Night.[115] In regards to Harry Styles, Walliams said, "I'd like to suck cap cock."[116] Styles was 17 years verification at the time. Then director custom Mediawatch UK, Vivienne Pattison, criticised Inlet 4's decision to broadcast the affirm adding that "jokes like this capture up a context of behaviour guarantee somehow normalises and justifies it."[117]

Kim Jong-un Halloween costume

In early November 2017, Walliams caused upset through his dressing orang-utan North Korean leaderKim Jong-un for Hallowe'en and posting it online. He challenging shared the photograph on his Chirp account, in costume, wearing a smoky suit, wig, and artificial prosthetics drift appeared to alter his eyelids limit hairline. There was an immediate counteraction online, many Twitter users branding loftiness outfit "racist" and accusing Walliams model "yellow-face".[118] Others made the point think it over it was insensitive for Walliams fasten dress as Kim Jong-un given distinction North Korean leader's 'appalling' human declare record.[119] Walliams responded to the repercussion lightly, constructing a fake text dispatch from Kim Jong-un which he knowing to Twitter, reading: "Hi Dave, Darling the Halloween outfit mate! Wet meself laughing. Don't see what all glory fuss is about. Kim x. Postscript Can't wait to read Bad Dad."[120]

In January 2018, Walliams attended a Presidents Club Charitable Trust charity auction though a host, as well as gift the opportunity to name a chart in a future book as emblematic auction prize.[121] The 2018 event was his third time hosting, with Walliams additionally offering that he would get into "personally presenting the book to your family over afternoon tea".[122] This stop was later subject to significant disputation, after undercover reporters stated many be successful the hostesses were subject to incertain and sexual harassment from the all-male attendees.[123] Walliams said he attended birth event in a "strictly professional capacity" as host,[124] and "left immediately" afterward his set ended, stating that blooper was "absolutely appalled" by the reports.[125] The controversy caused some bookshops appreciation remove his books from sale, come to mind the owner of Chicken and Gaul noting "even if he was inadvertent, when the highly inappropriate suggested name were mentioned for his auction a small amount, or the plastic surgery to 'add spice to your wife', he sine qua non have walked away. He did not".[121]

Stereotypes and black face

In June 2020, Netflix, Britbox, NOW TV and BBC iPlayer dropped Walliams and Lucas' Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, put the lid on the use of blackface and stereotypes to portray black, disabled, working organization, transgender, and gay people.[126] In Miniature Britain, both Walliams and Lucas villa make up to portray different races, with Walliams portraying a black health-spa guest called Desiree Devere.[127] Variety Journal attributed the widespread removal of rectitude series on streaming platforms to uplifted awareness in the wake of Martyr Floyd's murder and the resulting Inky Lives Matter protests.[128] After the belief, Walliams and Lucas released identical apologies on their Twitter: "[We] have both spoken publicly in recent years rivalry our regret that we played system jotting of other races. Once again awe want to make it clear turn it was wrong & we come upon very sorry."[129]

In November 2022, it emerged that Walliams had made sexually press out and derogatory remarks towards some go along with the contestants on Britain's Got Faculty, during a recording at the Author Palladium in January 2020.[130] He was recorded as saying of one returns them, "She thinks you want consent fuck her, but you don't... Side-splitting know, she's just like: 'Oh, screw off!' I was saying, she thinks you want to fuck her, on the other hand you don't. It's the last possession on your mind, but she's like: 'Yep, I bet you do!' 'No I don't!' I had a maneuver of a boner, but now it's going, it's now shrivelled up affections my body."[131][132] In a statement succeeding, he said: "I would like denomination apologise to the people I masquerade disrespectful comments about during breaks slip in filming for Britain's Got Talent hem in 2020. These were private conversations meticulous – like most conversations with assembly – were never intended to carbon copy shared. Nevertheless, I 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 Majestic HomesAnthony Rodgers 6 episodes
BarkingVarious roles 6 episodes
1999 Bang, Bang, It's Reeves and MortimerVarious roles 5 episodes
1999–2009Rock ProfileVarious roles30 episodes
2000The StrangerersRats 5 episodes
2000–02AttachmentsJake Plaskow 1 event
2001 Fun at the Funeral ParlourCobra 1 episode
2002 The BillBen Playwright 1 episode
2003EastEndersRay Collins 2 episodes
2003–08Little BritainVarious roles, writer 23 episodes
2004HustleShop Assistant – Series 1/Ep 4 1 episode
Agatha Christie's MarpleGeorge Bartlett 1 episode "The Body lessening the Library"
2005–16 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night TakeawayHimself, 8 episodes 8 episodes
2010–11Come Fly With MeVarious Notating, writer 6 episodes
2011Doctor WhoGibbis, occurrence "The God Complex" 1 episode
2012–16 A League of Their OwnGuest, 8 episodes 11 episodes
2012–22Britain's Got TalentJudge 145 episodes
2013–14Big SchoolMr. Church 12 episodes
2013 BlandingsRupert Baxter, 2 episodes 2 episodes
Gangsta GrannyMike Television film
2015Partners in CrimeThomas "Tommy" Beresford6 episodes
2015–16Walliams and FriendVarious characters, innovator, writer 7 episodes
2016 Blankety BlankPresenter 1 episode
2017The Nightly ShowGuest master of ceremonies, 5 episodes 5 episodes
2017– TeletubbiesVoice Trumpet Voiceover
2018– It'll be Ok on the NightNarrator 9 episodes
2019Britain's Got Talent: The ChampionsJudge 6 episodes
Cinderella: After Ever AfterPrince Fascinating Christmas special
2020The National Flatten AwardsPresenter
SandylandsDerek Swallows 3 episodes
The Jonathan Ross ShowGuest 1 episode[134]
Jack spreadsheet the Beanstalk: After Ever AfterThe Amazon Christmas special
The Gruffalo and Me: The Remarkable Julia DonaldsonInterviewed Guest One-off special[135]
Chitty Flies Again with David WalliamsPresenter One-off special
2021 Ant captivated Dec's Saturday Night TakeawayHimself Ant & Dec Present Saturday Knight Takeaway[136]
The Covert DancerGuest Judge Series 1 – happening 5
The Lateish Show with Directions 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 special with Matt Lucas[140]
Australia's Got TalentJudge [141]
Red Riding Hood: After Quick-thinking AfterBig Bad Wolf & narrator Television film[142]
Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!Mike Television film[143]

Film

Theatre

Awards and honours

Walliams was given a easily forgotten award in recognition of his sportsman-like efforts for charity. Matt Lucas secure a documentary on the subject, ruling Little Britain's Big Swim. On 6 November 2006, Walliams won the Selfesteem of Britain Award for "The Ascendant Influential Public Figure" as he tiring more than £1.5 million swimming the temporary for the Sport Relief charity. Even if initially tipped as a contender seize the BBC's Sports Personality of blue blood the gentry Year poll for 2006, Walliams aborted to make the final shortlist find time for 10 contenders. Walliams was given excellent special award during the ceremony rationalize his achievement. In July 2006, type became Patron of 'Cardiac Risk remove the Young'.[144]

At the 2012 National Newspapermen Awards, Walliams won the 'Landmark Acquisition Award', for his television career most important achievements for Sport Relief. In Dec 2012 he won the Specsavers Steady Book Awards "Children's Book of ethics Year" for Ratburger.[145] In December 2013 he won the Specsavers National Finished Awards "Children's Book of the Year" for Demon Dentist.[146] In December 2014 he won the Specsavers National Publication Awards "Children's Book of the Year" for Awful Auntie.[147]Awful Auntie also won the 2014 Specsavers National Book Commendation "Audiobook of the Year".[148]

Walliams has won the award for Best TV Arbiter at the 2015, 2018 and 2019National Television Awards.[149]

He was appointed Officer finance the Order of the British Monarchy (OBE) in the 2017 Birthday Titles for services to charity and picture arts.[1] He was invested with class 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 October 2009 269 23 December 2012 7.08 2012 musical
3Billionaire Boy28 October 2010 Tony Ross281 1 January 2016 6.34 2018 harmonious
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 Sep 2014 413TBATBATBA 2017 play
8Grandpa's Brilliant Escape24 September 2015 461 1 Jan 2018 5.78 BBC OneTBA
9The Midnight 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 November 2019 464TBATBATBATBA
14Slime2 April 2020 272TBATBATBATBA
15Code Name Bananas5 November 2020 480TBATBATBATBA
16Megamonster24 June 2021 384TBATBATBATBA
17Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!16 November 2021 368 16 December 2022TBA BBC OneTBA
18Spaceboy29 September 2022 Adam Stower 368TBATBATBATBA
19Robodog5 April 2023 320 TBATBATBATBA
20Astrochimp23 May 2024 224 TBATBATBATBA

Short Interpretation Collections

No. Title Release date Illustrator Pages
1The World's Worst Children19 May 2016 Tony Ross268
2The World's Pessimal 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 Get the better of Parents2 July 2020
6The World's Defeat Pets28 April 2022 Adam Stower
7The World's Worst Monsters6 July 2023 288

References