David Walliams

Walliams was born at St Teresa's Maternity Hospital in Wimbledon, in the London Borough of Merton, in 1971. He is the son of Peter Williams (1936–2007), a London Transport engineer, and Kathleen Williams (née Ellis), a laboratory technician who worked at Sutton Grammar School. Walliams grew up in Banstead, Surrey, specifically in the residential area of Nork, with his mother, father and sister Julie. He was educated at Collingwood Boys' School in Wallington, and Reigate Grammar School in Surrey, where he was a contemporary of writer Robert Shearman.{{cite book|last1=Walliams|first1=David|title=Camp David|date=11 October 2012|publisher=Penguin UK}} From 1989 to 1992, he studied at the University of Bristol, where he resided at Manor Hall and graduated with Bachelor of Arts (Drama).{{cite web|title=David Walliams' (BA 1992) swim in river Thames makes a million for charity|url=http://www.bristol.ac.uk/alumni/news/2011/327.html|website=Alumni and friends|publisher=University of Bristol|access-date=3 September 2015|archive-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923194713/http://www.bristol.ac.uk/alumni/news/2011/327.html|url-status=live}} During university holidays in 1990, Walliams performed with the National Youth Theatre, where he met future comedy partner and friend Matt Lucas. He changed his stage name to David Walliams when he joined college Equity, as there was already a member named David Williams.{{Cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Sandra |title=Send in the Clown |newspaper=Sunday Herald Sun |location=Melbourne |pages=27–29 |date=12 October 2008}}

Walliams performed in the Big Finish Productions Doctor Who audio play Phantasmagoria, written by Mark Gatiss in 1999. In 2005, Walliams, Simon Pegg, Lucy Davis and Lauren Laverne starred in the video for Charlotte Hatherley's single "Bastardo". Later in the year, Walliams presented a documentary on James Bond, entitled David Walliams: My Life with James Bond. In 2007, he returned to non-comedy television, garnering positive reviews for his portrayal of a suave and dangerous manipulator in Stephen Poliakoff's Capturing Mary.{{cite news |title=David Walliams plays Greville White |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/10_october/02/mary_walliams.shtml |access-date=22 August 2019 |agency=BBC |archive-date=23 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823043240/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/10_october/02/mary_walliams.shtml |url-status=live }}

He portrayed comedian Frankie Howerd in the BBC Four television film Rather You Than Me. In 2010, Walliams appeared with Paul Rudd and Steve Carell in the comedy Dinner for Schmucks. Walliams played the strange mole-like alien Gibbis in the sixth series of Doctor Who, in the episode "The God Complex", broadcast on BBC One in 2011. In April 2012 Walliams appeared in an episode of ITV's Perspectives programme entitled "David Walliams: The Genius of Dahl".{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/presscentre/perspectives/week17davidwalliams/default.html |title=Perspectives | Week 17 David Walliams – ITV Press Centre |publisher=Itv.com |access-date=24 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629235744/http://www.itv.com/presscentre/perspectives/week17davidwalliams/default.html |archive-date=29 June 2012 }} Also in 2012, he narrated Are You Having a Laugh? TV and Disability on BBC Two,{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00swg99 |title=BBC Two – Are You Having a Laugh? TV and Disability |publisher=BBC |date=21 March 2012 |access-date=11 October 2013 |archive-date=19 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819091211/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00swg99 |url-status=live }} and the ITV2 series Top Dog Model.

In 2013, Walliams appeared in two episodes of the comedy series Blandings as Rupert Baxter, an efficiency expert hired to serve as Lord Emsworth's secretary. Also that year, and in 2014, Walliams starred as chemistry teacher Keith Church in the BBC One sitcom Big School, which he created and co-wrote. The series also starred Catherine Tate, Frances de la Tour and Philip Glenister. In March 2014 Walliams narrated a short video for the charity, Electrical Safety First, featuring the character Charley from the Charley Says educational films of the 1970s.{{cite web|title=Charley Says| date=25 March 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxNgHE0rXdI| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/nxNgHE0rXdI| archive-date=30 October 2021|publisher=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

For Comic Relief 2015, Walliams appeared as Lou Todd and Stephen Hawking in the Andy Pipkin role along with Catherine Tate as a nun.{{Cite web |first=Danny |last=Walker |title=Comic Relief 2015: Watch Stephen Hawking TRANSFORM into super-sized robot and blast Catherine Tate's nun |work=Mirror |date=13 March 2015 |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/comic-relief-2015-watch-stephen-5330750 |access-date=31 March 2015 |archive-date=29 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329193103/http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/comic-relief-2015-watch-stephen-5330750 |url-status=live }} In 2015, coinciding with the 125th anniversary of Agatha Christie's birth, Walliams played the role of Tommy Beresford in Partners in Crime, a six-part BBC series.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/bbcone-drama-main.html|title=BBC – Charlotte Moore and Ben Stephenson outline vision for drama on BBC One – Media Centre|website=BBC|access-date=6 December 2018|archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906181402/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/bbcone-drama-main.html|url-status=live}} In September 2015, Walliams began filming for his BBC sketch show Walliams & Friend, which also starred Joanna Lumley and Morgana Robinson{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a668193/joanne-lumley-joins-david-walliams-new-bbc-sketch-show.html|title=Joanna Lumley joins David Walliams' new BBC sketch show|author=Rachel Babbage|date=12 September 2015|work=Digital Spy}} and premiered on Christmas Eve in 2015. The show returned for a full series in November 2016.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}}

Walliams hosted the final comedy show Thrills and Spills in December 2016. The final was held in Louisville, Kentucky. In December 2016, Walliams presented the Royal Variety Performance and a Christmas 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, joining the existing cast of Daniel Rigby, Antonia Thomas, Jim Broadbent, Fearne Cotton and Jane Horrocks In series 2 of the reboot of classic British children's television series Teletubbies.

In October 2019, Walliams became the new National Television Awards (NTAs) host for 2020, taking over after Dermot O'Leary's ten year presenting stint.{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-10-04/david-walliams-ntas-host/|title=David Walliams replaces Dermot O'Leary as NTAs host|last=Ling|first=Thomas|date=4 October 2019|website=Radio Times|access-date=5 October 2019}}

Walliams and Matt Lucas first met at the National Youth Theatre. At their first meeting, Lucas did an impression of Jimmy Savile and Walliams an impression of Frankie Howerd. They would not meet again for another year.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d6m7OCxJWl0C&pg=PT147|title=Camp David|author=David Walliams|date=11 October 2012|publisher=Penguin Books Limited|isbn=978-0-14-197324-1|pages=147–|access-date=6 November 2012}} In the late 1990s, playing minor roles in sketches such as The Club, Walliams and Lucas played grotesque caricatures of various rock musicians in the series Rock Profile and in the spoof documentary series Sir Bernard's Stately Homes. They were also stars of the Paramount Comedy Channel show Mash and Peas, and it was in this guise that they appeared in the Fat Les video. Walliams and Lucas also had small roles in Plunkett and Maclaine as prisoners.

The duo appeared together in a music video for the Pet Shop Boys single "I'm with Stupid", in which the two are apparently auditioning their version of the song's video for Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, who are tied up and appear to be hostages.

The pair are best known for Little Britain, which ran from 2003 to 2009 on the BBC in the UK and from 2008 onwards on HBO in the US. The programme first aired on BBC Three before moving to the more mainstream BBC One. Among the characters Walliams played were Emily Howard, a deluded "transvestite"; Ray McCooney, an insane Scottish hotel owner; and Sebastian Love, an aide de camp to the Prime Minister (portrayed by Anthony Head) on whom Love has a huge crush. A successful live stage show of the series, Little Britain Live, was produced in 2006. A number of seasonal and charity specials followed, up to 2009. A spin-off series produced in the United States by HBO, Little Britain USA, aired in 2008. The characters from Little Britain played by Walliams and Lucas appeared in a 2010 UK television advertising campaign for the Nationwide Building Society. In January 2005 Walliams and Lucas were named the most powerful people in TV comedy by Radio Times.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Lucas+%26+Walliams+%27funniest%27-a0126878529|title=Lucas & Walliams 'funniest'|last1=Methven|first1=Nicola|date=11 January 2005|newspaper=Daily Mirror|access-date=13 September 2017|location=London|oclc=223228477}}

Their later series was Come Fly with Me, a six-part series airing on BBC One.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/7780315/David-Walliams-and-Matt-Lucas-reunite-for-new-BBC-show-set-in-an-airport.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/7780315/David-Walliams-and-Matt-Lucas-reunite-for-new-BBC-show-set-in-an-airport.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=David Walliams and Matt Lucas reunite for new BBC show set in an airport|date=29 May 2010|newspaper=Daily Telegraph|access-date=20 September 2010|location=London}}{{cbignore}} The first episode was the third most-watched programme of Christmas Day 2010, and the most watched comedy of the year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12080132|title=EastEnders wins Christmas Day viewing figures battle|date=26 December 2010|work=BBC News|archive-date=30 December 2010|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230090150/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12080132|url-status=live}} The duo have not worked or made any public appearances together since early 2011 (although they each make separate cameo appearances in Michael Winterbottom's 2013 film The Look of Love).

Little Britain returned to BBC Radio 4 on 31 October 2019, for a one-off special entitled Little Brexit.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/davidwalliams/status/1188526905592446976|title=We are back back back! #LittleBrexit is on @BBCRadio4 on Thursday 31st of October at 6:30pm.pic.twitter.com/Opr69XT5Gv|last=Walliams|first=David|date=27 October 2019|website=@davidwalliams|language=en|access-date=27 October 2019|archive-date=27 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027185220/https://twitter.com/davidwalliams/status/1188526905592446976|url-status=live}}

From 2012 to 2022, Walliams was a judge on the ITV1 talent show Britain's Got Talent with Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Simon Cowell. In 2015, 2018 and 2019, he was recognised at the National Television Awards as Best Judge{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationaltvawards.com/winners|title=Winners {{!}} National Television Awards|last=Awards|first=National Television|website=www.nationaltvawards.com|access-date=14 March 2016|archive-date=21 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121153006/http://www.nationaltvawards.com/winners|url-status=live}} for his involvement in the series.

In 2022, it was announced that Walliams would be 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 Australian actors Kate Ritchie and Shane Jacobson.{{Cite web |last=Yeates |first=Cydney |date=2022-06-05 |title=David Walliams replacing Neil Patrick Harris as judge on Australia's Got Talent |url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/05/australias-got-talent-david-walliams-replaces-neil-patrick-harris-as-judge-16771429/ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Metro |language=en |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804143621/https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/05/australias-got-talent-david-walliams-replaces-neil-patrick-harris-as-judge-16771429/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-06-06 |title=Superstar comedian to join Australia's Got Talent judging team |url=https://7news.com.au/entertainment/agt/australias-got-talent-announces-david-walliams-as-new-maverick-judge-c-7068810 |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=7NEWS |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=O'Rourke |first=Jill |date=2022-09-22 |title='Australia's Got Talent' Teases New Season with Alesha Dixon, David Walliams |url=https://talentrecap.com/australias-got-talent-teases-new-season-with-alesha-dixon-david-walliams/ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Talent Recap |language=en-US}}

In November 2022, after controversy erupted regarding leaked disparaging comments made by Walliams to contestants, it was reported that Walliams had decided "to bow out after a ten-year run", and that he wished to leave the show "on a high after a wonderful time".{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Rose |date=2022-11-24 |title=David Walliams quits BGT after making vile comments about contestants |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/breaking-david-walliams-quits-britains-28577800 |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=mirror |language=en |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125000332/https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/breaking-david-walliams-quits-britains-28577800 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Grierson |first1=Jamie |last2=Waterson |first2=Jim |date=2022-11-25 |title=David Walliams expected to quit as Britain's Got Talent judge |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/25/david-walliams-future-as-britains-got-talent-judge-up-in-the-air |access-date=2023-08-04 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=Blackburn |first=Tom |date=2023-04-15 |title=David Walliams's departure from Britain's Got Talent explained |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/david-walliams-leave-britains-talent-26684044 |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=BirminghamLive |language=en}} He was replaced by Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli.{{Cite news |date=2023-01-24 |title=David Walliams replaced by Bruno Tonioli as Britain's Got Talent judge |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64302696 |access-date=2023-08-04 |archive-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605120150/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64302696 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-01-24 |title=Britain's Got Talent Confirms New Judge Following David Walliams' Departure |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/britains-got-talent-announces-new-judge-after-david-walliams-exit_uk_63c682b4e4b0b2e150747a58 |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=HuffPost UK |language=en |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804143621/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/britains-got-talent-announces-new-judge-after-david-walliams-exit_uk_63c682b4e4b0b2e150747a58 |url-status=live }}

File:David Walliams Reading.jpg 2015, NZ]]In early 2008 Walliams signed a contract with HarperCollins to publish two children's books.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7148694.stm |title=Walliams plans children's stories |access-date=23 December 2007|date=17 December 2007|work =BBC News Online |location=London}} The debut novel, The Boy in the Dress, illustrated by Quentin Blake, was released worldwide on 1 November 2008. It explores several of the themes of Little Britain from Walliams' own life on an emotional level, such as the camp humour of cross-dressing and effeminacy. The story recounts a neglected 12-year-old boy called Dennis' search for a female role model, his friendship with the popular girl in school, and the ways in which relationships develop along gender lines. The story has a strong resonance with Anne Fine's 1989 book Bill's New Frock. This book was adapted into a film for Christmas 2014.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a556687/david-walliams-boy-in-the-dress-to-be-bbc-one-film-for-christmas-2014.html |title=David Walliams' Boy in the Dress to be BBC One film for Christmas 2014 – TV News |website=Digital Spy |date=10 March 2014 |access-date=10 March 2014 |archive-date=10 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310213100/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a556687/david-walliams-boy-in-the-dress-to-be-bbc-one-film-for-christmas-2014.html |url-status=live }}

In November 2009 came Mr Stink, again illustrated by Quentin Blake, about a 12-year-old girl who meets a tramp and helps look after him. She keeps him hidden from her family. The book consists of 26 illustrated chapters full of jokes. It is aimed at teenagers and children over 9. It was the last of Walliams books to be illustrated by Quentin Blake. The book was awarded the Children's Award in the inaugural People's Book Prize in 2010,{{Cite news|url=http://www.thebookseller.com/news/124051-walliams-among-winners-for-inaugural-peoples-book-prize.html |title=Walliams among winners for inaugural People's Book Prize |author=Neilan, Catherine |work=The Bookseller |date=10 July 2010 |access-date=20 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725153144/http://www.thebookseller.com/news/124051-walliams-among-winners-for-inaugural-peoples-book-prize.html |archive-date=25 July 2010}} and 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,Sarah Kingsford, [http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/books/207699/Review-Billionaire-Boy-by-David-Walliams Review: Billionaire Boy by David Walliams], Express, 24 October 2010.{{cite web|title=Billionaire Boy : David Walliams|url=http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/9780007371433/billionaire-boy|work=HarperCollins|access-date=1 February 2015|archive-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221204205/http://www.harpercollins.co.uk/9780007371433/billionaire-boy|url-status=dead}} telling the story of Joe Spud, the richest 12-year-old in the country. Joe's father is a famous inventor, and his wealth means that Joe has everything he could ever want: his own bowling alley, cinema and a trained orangutan who serves as his butler, but there is just one thing he really needs: a friend. The book included a 'billion pound note' that was used to enter a competition to win a day as a billionaire in London.{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}} This was the first of his books to be illustrated by Tony Ross.

Walliams' fourth book, Gangsta Granny was released in October 2011 and again illustrated by Tony Ross. It tells the story of Ben who is bored every time he is made to stay at his grandma's house as all she wants to do is to play board games and eat cabbage soup. Ben learns that she was once an international jewel thief and all her life she has wanted to steal the crown jewels. Ben is determined that they do it together. It won a Red House Children's Book Award and was adapted to be a 70-minute film for BBC One and shown on 26 December 2013.{{cite news |last =Stephenson |first =Hannah |title =Walliams Suffering For His Gen Nerous Heart |newspaper =Daily Post |date =4 November 2011|url = |access-date =}}

In September 2012 Walliams released his fifth children's book, Ratburger, telling the story of a young girl named Zoe whose life is a misery as she has an evil stepmother. It was made into a one-off drama for Sky One.{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-02-22/david-walliams-and-sheridan-smith-join-forces-to-bring-ratburger-to-tv|title=David Walliams and Sheridan Smith join forces to bring Ratburger to TV for Christmas}}

Ratburger was followed in September 2013 by Walliams' sixth book, Demon Dentist, relating the tale of a young boy named Alfie with no family except his dad whose world goes upside-down when a new dentist arrives in town. The book won the top prize in the Younger Readers category at the 2015 Red House Children's Book Awards.Siobhan Palmer, [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookprizes/11420104/David-Walliams-wins-prize-at-Red-House-Childrens-Book-Awards-2015.html David Walliams wins prize at Red House Children's Book Awards 2015] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118102534/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookprizes/11420104/David-Walliams-wins-prize-at-Red-House-Childrens-Book-Awards-2015.html |date=18 November 2018 }} The Daily Telegraph, 21 February 2015

Walliams' seventh children's book, Awful Auntie,{{cite news |last=Cain |first=Sian |date=7 August 2014 |title=David Walliams announces his new book, Awful Auntie |url=https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2014/aug/07/booksforchildrenandteenagers-childrens-books-7-and-under |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=25 September 2014}} was released on 25 September 2014. This was the story of a girl named Stella whose Auntie has moved into her house with her owl, Wagner. It is the first (and currently only) of Walliams' books to not include Raj the newsagent, due to the book being set in the 1930s before Raj was born.

In September 2015 he released Grandpa's Great Escape. The story follows a boy called Jack trying to rescue his Grandpa who suffers from Alzheimer's disease from a care home run by an evil matron. The book was adapted for BBC One, with the script written by Walliams and Kevin Cecil, and starring Tom Courtenay as Grandpa. This book, although set in the 1980s like Awful Auntie is, sees the return of Raj the newsagent. The same year that Grandpa's Great Escape was published, Walliams backed children's fairytales app GivingTales in aid of UNICEF, together with Roger Moore, Stephen Fry, Ewan McGregor, Joan Collins, Joanna Lumley, Michael Caine, Charlotte Rampling and Paul McKenna.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/18/roger-moore-childrens-app-unicef-givingtales|title=Roger Moore backs children's fairytales app in aid of Unicef|date=18 June 2015|work=The Guardian|archive-date=22 December 2016|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222003219/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jun/18/roger-moore-childrens-app-unicef-givingtales|url-status=live}}

The Midnight Gang was published in November 2016. Bad Dad was published in November 2017. Walliams sold £16.57 million worth of books in 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/15/david-walliams-biggest-selling-author-2017/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/15/david-walliams-biggest-selling-author-2017/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=David Walliams is biggest selling author of 2017|last=Singh|first=Anita|date=2018|work=The Telegraph|access-date=20 November 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} The Ice Monster was published in November 2018.{{Cite web |title=The Ice Monster |url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52229551-the-ice-monster |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Goodreads |language=en |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804143621/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52229551-the-ice-monster |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last=Walliams |first=David |title=The Ice Monster: A funny illustrated children's book from multi-million bestseller David Walliams |date=2019-11-18 |publisher=HarperCollins GB |others=Tony Ross |isbn=978-0-00-816470-6 |language=English}} In 2020, the book Code Name Bananas, which was set in World War II-era Britain was published, and was being announced on Walliams' Instagram.{{Cite web |date=2020-12-05 |title=It'll Be Alright on the Night star David Walliams announces exciting news |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/20201205102117/david-walliams-exciting-news-code-name-bananas-details/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=HELLO! |language=en |archive-date=19 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319134411/https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/20201205102117/david-walliams-exciting-news-code-name-bananas-details/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Code Name Bananas |url=https://www.harperreach.com/products/code-name-bananas-david-walliams-9780008305833/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=HarperReach |language=en-GB |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518005232/https://www.harperreach.com/products/code-name-bananas-david-walliams-9780008305833/ |url-status=live }} Walliams' next children's novel, Spaceboy, was published in September 2022.{{Cite book |last=Walliams |first=David |title=Spaceboy: The epic and funny new children's book from multi-million bestselling author David Walliams |date=2022-10-05 |publisher=HarperCollins GB |others=Adam Stower |isbn=978-0-00-857994-4 |language=English}} On 5 April 2023, the children's novel Robodog was published. The story is about Robodog, the newest recruit at the police dog school, as he sets out to save his city from some evil criminals trying to destroy it.{{Cite book |last=Walliams |first=David |title=Robodog: The incredibly funny new illustrated children's book for 2023, from the multi-million bestselling author of SPACEBOY |date=2023-03-30 |publisher=HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks |others=Adam Stower |isbn=978-0-00-858144-2 |language=English}}{{Cite web |title=Robodog |url=https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/book/robodog/ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=The World of David Walliams |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804143623/https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com/book/robodog/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Robodog |url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123204851-robodog |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Goodreads |language=en}}

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

The World's Worst Teachers was published on 27 June.{{Cite web|url=https://shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/The-Worlds-Worst-Teachers-9780008305789|title=The World's Worst Teachers|website=Scholastic Shop|language=en|access-date=4 June 2019|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604090626/https://shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/The-Worlds-Worst-Teachers-9780008305789|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thebookseller.com/news/walliams-targets-teachers-new-story-collection-1009016|title=David Walliams targets teachers with new short story collection {{!}} The Bookseller|website=www.thebookseller.com|access-date=4 June 2019}}

In July 2020, tweets by author and activist Jack Monroe described Walliams' books as "like Little Britain for kids", with "horrific racism and classism and bodyshaming in a veneer of privileged deniability".{{Cite web|date=6 July 2020|title=David Walliams accused of fatshaming and classism in children's books|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/david-walliams-childrens-books-racism-fatshaming-little-britain-jack-monroe-twitter-a9604091.html|access-date=30 November 2020|website=The Independent|language=en|archive-date=18 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218071748/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/david-walliams-childrens-books-racism-fatshaming-little-britain-jack-monroe-twitter-a9604091.html|url-status=live}}; {{cite news|last1=Bradley|first1=Jane|date=6 July 2020|title=David Walliams under fire for children's books dubbed 'Little Britain for kids'|language=en|work=The Scotsman|url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/david-walliams-under-fire-childrens-books-dubbed-little-britain-kids-2905294|access-date=4 June 2021|archive-date=4 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604164550/https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/david-walliams-under-fire-childrens-books-dubbed-little-britain-kids-2905294|url-status=live}} HarperCollins issued a response, stating "David Walliams's books have a diverse readership which is reflected in their content". Also in July 2020, Williams' next book, The World's Worst Parents was published, and the book followed the same structure as all of the previous short story collection books.{{Cite book |last=Walliams |first=David |title=The World's Worst Parents |date=2023-03-27 |publisher=HarperCollins GB |isbn=978-0-00-843235-5 |edition=Unabridged |language=English}}{{Cite book |last=Walliams |first=David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oISSzQEACAAJ |title=The World's Worst Parents |date=2020-07-02 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |isbn=978-0-00-843030-6 |language=en}}{{Cite book |last1=Walliams |first1=David |url=https://openlibrary.org/books/OL29532158M/World%27s_Worst_Parents |title=World's Worst Parents |last2=Ross |first2=Tony |date=2020 |publisher=HarperCollins Publishers Limited |isbn=978-0-00-830579-6 |ol=29532158M |archive-date=4 August 2023 |access-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804143621/https://openlibrary.org/books/OL29532158M/World%27s_Worst_Parents |url-status=live }}

In September 2021 it was announced that one of the stories in The World's Worst Children would be removed after podcaster Georgie Ma made a complaint, saying Walliams' book was "normalising jokes on minorities from a young age."{{cite news |title=David Walliams: 'Harmful' Chinese character removed from children's book |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58786769 |access-date=4 October 2021 |work=BBC News |date=4 October 2021 |archive-date=4 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004105248/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-58786769 |url-status=live }} The story criticised by Ma earlier in the year is "about a Chinese boy called Brian Wong" who is "never, ever wrong".{{cite news |last1=Flood |first1=Alison |title=HarperCollins removes story from David Walliams' book The World's Worst Children |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/oct/04/harpercollins-removes-story-from-david-walliams-book-the-worlds-worst-children |access-date=4 October 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=4 October 2021}} Ma, who also called out the story for its "casual racism", talked in May with representatives of HarperCollins, who agreed to remove the story in future editions of the book. The book was later republished in 2022, with a new story about Charlie the Chucker, who "delights in pelting people with snowballs".{{Cite web|title=HAPERCOLLINS NEW EDITION OF "THE WORLD'S WORST CHILDREN" BY DAVID WALLIAMS AND TONY ROSS.|date=14 August 2022|url=https://asianleadership.co.uk/2022/08/14/hapercollins-new-edition-of-the-worlds-worst-children-by-david-walliams-and-tony-ross/|publisher=Asian Leadership Collective|language=en|access-date=2 March 2024|archive-date=2 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302225816/https://asianleadership.co.uk/2022/08/14/hapercollins-new-edition-of-the-worlds-worst-children-by-david-walliams-and-tony-ross/|url-status=live}}

On 28 April 2022, Walliams' next book in the short story collections, this time titled The World's Worst Pets was published. However, this book was illustrated by Adam Stower, Walliams' new illustrator, whereas all the other books in the series were illustrated by Tony Ross.{{Cite web |last=Jain |first=Ashima |date=2022-10-31 |title=The World's Worst Pets by David Walliams {{!}} Book Review |url=https://aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com/2022/10/31/the-worlds-worst-pets-by-david-walliams-book-review/ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Aquamarine Flavours |language=en |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804143622/https://aquamarineflavours.wordpress.com/2022/10/31/the-worlds-worst-pets-by-david-walliams-book-review/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last=Walliams |first=David |url=https://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Worst-Pets-brilliantly-million-copy-ebook/dp/B09SW929W9 |title=The World's Worst Pets: A brilliantly funny children's book from million-copy bestselling author David Walliams – perfect for kids who love animals! |date=2022-04-28 |publisher=HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks |others=Adam Stower |language=English}}{{Citation |title=The World's Worst Pets, By David Walliams, Read by Various |url=https://soundcloud.com/harpercollinspublishers/the-worlds-worst-pets-by-david |access-date=2023-08-04 |language=en}} The next and latest book of the series, The World's Worst Monsters was published on 6 July 2023.{{Cite web |date=6 July 2023 |title=The World's Worst Monsters (Hardback) |url=https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-worlds-worst-monsters/david-walliams/adam-stower/9780008305819 |website=Waterstones |access-date=4 August 2023 |archive-date=4 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804143622/https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-worlds-worst-monsters/david-walliams/adam-stower/9780008305819 |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |last=Walliams |first=David |title=The World's Worst Monsters: A new fiercely funny fantastical illustrated book of stories for kids, the latest from the bestselling author of Robodog |date=2023-07-06 |publisher=HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks |others=Adam Stower |isbn=978-0-00-830581-9 |language=English}}

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

In 2013, he played the part of Bottom in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Noël Coward Theatre opposite Sheridan Smith as Titania.

In July 2014, Walliams appeared on stage with Monty Python during their live show Monty Python Live (Mostly) held at the O₂ Arena, London. He was the special guest in their "Blackmail" sketch.{{cite news|title='Monty Python Live (mostly) – One Down Five to Go' – Celebrity Blackmail|url=http://www.montypython.com/news_Celebrity-Blackmail/72|access-date=22 August 2019|agency=Monty Python.com|archive-date=20 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820103909/http://www.montypython.com/news_Celebrity-Blackmail/72|url-status=live}}

In addition to his writing credits for his sketch shows and adaptions of his novels, he was set to co-write an animated film titled Shadows with filmmaker Edgar Wright for DreamWorks Animation. It was never made however, due to the staff changes at DreamWorks animation which left the film in limbo.{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/movies/shrek-forever/shrek-5-edgar-wright-shadows-arrive-2019/|title=Shrek 5 and Edgar Wright's Shadows on track to arrive in 2019|first=James|last=White|date=20 July 2016|access-date=31 December 2017|archive-date=20 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320020032/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/shrek-forever/shrek-5-edgar-wright-shadows-arrive-2019/|url-status=live}}

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

Walliams hosted a classical music podcast for children called David Walliams' Marvellous Musical Podcast.{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Clive |title=Radio review: David Walliams' Marvellous Musical Podcast; Jacob Collier's Music Room |newspaper=The Times |language=en |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/radio-review-david-walliams-marvellous-musical-podcast-jacob-colliers-music-room-t779lnhcd |access-date=2023-03-25 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208025627/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/radio-review-david-walliams-marvellous-musical-podcast-jacob-colliers-music-room-t779lnhcd |url-status=live }} The show was produced by Classic FM and won a gold prize at the 2020 British Podcast Awards.{{Cite web |last=Heathman |first=Amelia |date=2020-06-01 |title=The British Podcast Awards 2020 nominees for you to listen to |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/tech/british-podcast-awards-2020-acast-nominees-a4444661.html |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=Evening Standard |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325162937/https://www.standard.co.uk/tech/british-podcast-awards-2020-acast-nominees-a4444661.html |url-status=live }}

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

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

On 4 July 2006 Walliams swam the English Channel for Sport Relief.{{cite news |date=4 July 2006 |title=BBC SPORT Watch Walliams' Channel swim |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sport_relief/5143966.stm |access-date=6 November 2011 |archive-date=23 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090423193253/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sport_relief/5143966.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Naughton |first=Philippe |date=4 July 2006 |title=Little Britain star swims the Channel |newspaper=The Times |location=London |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/3a1f943f-4edd-4cc3-bd13-787cdb5cf50e |access-date= 2 October 2024}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} It took him 10 hours and 34 minutes to swim the 22-mile (35 km) stretch of sea, equivalent to 700 lengths of an Olympic-size swimming pool. This was wrongly reported as one of the top 50 recorded times for an unaided Channel crossing; in reality Walliams placed 167th at the time of crossing in only the CSA listings, excluding the CSPF listings.{{cite web |title=Channel Swimming Association Ltd |url=http://www.channelswimmingassociation.com/ |access-date=6 November 2011 |publisher=Channelswimmingassociation.com |archive-date=3 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303135834/http://www.channelswimmingassociation.com/ |url-status=live }} He raised over £1 million in donations. Under the supervision of his trainer, he trained for nine months to prepare for the swim.{{cite episode |title=Desert Island Discs with David Walliams |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/desertislanddiscs_20090222.shtml |series=Desert Island Discs |series-link=Desert Island Discs |station=BBC Radio 4 |airdate=27 February 2009 |access-date=27 February 2009 |archive-date=11 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311165035/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/desertislanddiscs_20090222.shtml |url-status=live }} The training had to coincide with Walliams and Lucas's Little Britain Live tour, so he daily had to train for several hours before performing on stage in the evening.

Walliams first swam from Lee-on-the-Solent near Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight in around two hours and also completed an eight-hour swim off the coast of Croatia before embarking on the cross-Channel attempt. Walliams has insisted that prior to his challenge he had never seriously taken part in any sport. The Bluetones' lead singer Mark Morriss wrote a song, "Fade In/Fade Out", in honour of Walliams' achievement; it can be found on their self-titled album, released on 9 October 2006.{{Cite news |date= 30 March 2013 |orig-date= 19 September 2006 |title= Still setting the tone |work= WalesOnline |url= https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/still-setting-the-tone-2314647 |access-date= 5 August 2023 }}

On 7 March 2008 Walliams, along with James Cracknell, swam the {{convert|12|mi|adj=on}} Strait of Gibraltar from Spain to Morocco, again for Sport Relief. He successfully completed the swim in just over 4½ hours.{{cite news |date=7 March 2008 |title=BBC SPORT – Walliams completes swim to Africa |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sport_relief/7282858.stm |access-date=6 November 2011 |archive-date=10 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310233120/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sport_relief/7282858.stm |url-status=live }}

In March 2010 Walliams and a group of celebrities cycled an end-to-end journey through the UK, raising over £1 million for Sport Relief. Walliams suffered a serious fall when tackling the Kirkstone Pass, a thousand-foot climb in the Lake District but was able to complete the ride.{{cite web |title=Sport Relief – Million Pound Bike Ride |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sportrelief/news/040310_walliams.shtml |access-date=20 September 2010 |archive-date=7 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100307153418/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sportrelief/news/040310_walliams.shtml |url-status=live }}

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

File:Walliams after swim (6142294516).jpg

From 5 to 12 September 2011 Walliams swam the River Thames from Lechlade to Westminster Bridge ({{Convert|140|mi|disp=sqbr}}) and raised more than £2 million for Sport Relief. Once he had got out of the river Walliams said "I think a bath is the only water I will be seeing for a while."{{Cite news |date=30 August 2011 |title=BBC News – David Walliams takes on Sport Relief Thames swim challenge |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-14712941 |access-date=6 November 2011 |archive-date=22 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110922205509/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-14712941 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=David Walliams Completes 140-Mile River Thames Swim Challenge For Sport Relief Charity |url=http://news.sky.com/home/showbiz-news/article/16067916 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125060757/http://news.sky.com/home/showbiz-news/article/16067916 |archive-date=25 January 2012 |access-date=6 November 2011 |publisher=Sky News}} The swim resulted in him getting giardiasis and injuring an intervertebral disc.{{cite magazine |title=David Walliams on his Big Swim for Sport Relief |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-03-08/david-walliams-on-his-big-swim-for-sport-relief |magazine=Radio Times |access-date=8 March 2012 |archive-date=9 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309102924/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-03-08/david-walliams-on-his-big-swim-for-sport-relief |url-status=live }} In late 2013, Walliams had emergency back surgery to alleviate issues caused by the swim.{{cite news |title=David Walliams cancels rest of 2012 schedule to have back surgery |newspaper=Daily Mirror |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/david-walliams-cancels-rest-2012-2855204 |access-date=27 November 2013 |archive-date=27 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131127174058/http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/david-walliams-cancels-rest-2012-2855204 |url-status=live }}

In 2007, Walliams' father, Peter, died of an aggressive form of liver cancer.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/entertainment/walliams-father-loses-battle-with-cancer-343160.html|title=Walliams father loses battle with cancer|date=5 January 2008|work=Irish Examiner|access-date=21 December 2018|archive-date=21 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221182633/https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/entertainment/walliams-father-loses-battle-with-cancer-343160.html|url-status=live}}

In 2009, Walliams dated eighteen-year-old model Lauren Budd.{{Cite web |last=Mirror.co.uk |date=2009-02-28 |title=David Walliams 18-year-old girlfriend spills the beans on their relationship |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-walliams-18-year-old-girlfriend-spills-379835 |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=mirror |language=en}} Budd claimed Walliams had approached her agent, Premier Model Management for a date with Budd.{{Cite web |date=2012-04-11 |title=I want to be Walliams's leading laydee |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/i-want-to-be-walliams-s-leading-laydee-6897216.html |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Evening Standard |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205181229/https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/i-want-to-be-walliams-s-leading-laydee-6897216.html |url-status=live }}

In 2009, Walliams began dating Dutch model Lara Stone.[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/lara-stone-and-david-walliams-finalise-divorce/ It's over: Lara Stone and David Walliams finalise separation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221134615/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/lara-stone-and-david-walliams-finalise-divorce/ |date=21 December 2018 }}, The Telegraph On 20 January 2010, they got engaged after her parents had given their blessing to the relationship.{{Cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8470029.stm |title=David Walliams to marry model Lara Stone |work =BBC News Online |access-date=20 January 2010 |date=20 January 2010 |location=London}} On 16 May 2010, the couple were married at central London's Claridge's Hotel.The couple split in March 2015{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8685843.stm |title = David Walliams marries Dutch model Lara Stone |access-date = 16 May 2010 |work = BBC News Online |location = London |date = 17 May 2010 |archive-date = 12 February 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130212022202/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8685843.stm |url-status = live }} On 6 May 2013, Stone gave birth to the couple's child, Alfred.{{cite web |url=http://www.bestdaily.co.uk/showbiz/news/a487303/best-exclusive-david-walliams-reveals-his-new-baby-sons-name-to-best.html |title=BEST EXCLUSIVE! David Walliams reveals his new baby son's name to Best – Showbiz News |publisher=Best Daily |date=5 June 2013 |access-date=26 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611101600/http://www.bestdaily.co.uk/showbiz/news/a487303/best-exclusive-david-walliams-reveals-his-new-baby-sons-name-to-best.html |archive-date=11 June 2013 |url-status=dead }}

Walliams and Stone lived in a house with a recording studio, formerly owned by Noel Gallagher, known as Supernova Heights in Belsize Park, North London. It was reported on 4 March 2015 that, following five years of marriage, the pair had decided to try a trial separation after "drifting apart".{{cite web|url=http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG11448612/Lara-Stone-and-David-Walliams-split.html|title=Lara Stone and David Walliams 'split after five years of marriage' |work=The Telegraph|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716075014/http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG11448612/Lara-Stone-and-David-Walliams-split.html|archive-date=16 July 2015}} On 9 September 2015, Walliams filed for divorce from Stone, citing "unreasonable behaviour". The couple were granted a decree nisi the next day; the marriage was formally dissolved six weeks after the date of filing.{{cite news|last1=Strang|first1=Fay|title=David Walliams and Lara Stone's marriage over in 60-second divorce|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-walliams-lara-stones-marriage-6416813|access-date=10 September 2015|work=Daily Mirror|date=10 September 2015|archive-date=12 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912212008/http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-walliams-lara-stones-marriage-6416813|url-status=live}}

Walliams hinted at being pansexual in the book Inside Little Britain, but said he did not like to be labelled by that word. In an interview with Radio Times in 2013, he stated: "I think it's all about falling in love with the person and that is overlooked, really. I hate it when people 'confess' or 'reveal' their sexuality and also things can change for people over the years. So it is about the person but I also think it goes beyond that. You don't just fall in love with someone's body, do you? You fall in love with someone's soul and heart and brain."{{Cite news |title = David Walliams – a schoolboy misfit who was nicknamed Cuthbert |url = http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-08-05/david-walliams---a-schoolboy-misfit-who-was-nicknamed-cuthbert |work = Radio Times |location = London |last = Dowell |first = Ben |date = 5 August 2013 |access-date = 5 August 2013 |archive-date = 7 August 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130807094849/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-08-05/david-walliams---a-schoolboy-misfit-who-was-nicknamed-cuthbert |url-status = live }}

Walliams has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder,{{Cite news |title = David Walliams: In at the deep end |url = http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/esmagazine/article-23983345-david-walliams-in-at-the-deep-end.do |newspaper = ES Magazine |location = London |last = Mills |first = Simon |date = 2 September 2011 |access-date = 2 September 2011 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://archive.today/20120915123154/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/esmagazine/article-23983345-david-walliams-in-at-the-deep-end.do |archive-date = 15 September 2012 |df = dmy-all }} and he described his 2006 swim of the English Channel as "some sort of redemption".{{Cite news |title = Comic Walliams speaks of depression battle |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/4743574/Comic-Walliams-speaks-of-depression-battle.html |newspaper = Daily Telegraph |location = London |last = Hastings |first = Chris |date = 21 February 2009 |access-date = 20 September 2010 |archive-date = 22 October 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101022062306/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/4743574/Comic-Walliams-speaks-of-depression-battle.html |url-status = live }}

Walliams performed a 'Hide the Sausage' sketch numerous times during the Little Britain Live tour in 2006 and subsequent worldwide tours including Little Britain in Australia in 2007 and at charity events.{{Cite web |date=2020-07-16 |title=David Walliams cops backlash for pulling down boy's pants on stage during Little Britain Australia tour |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/300059361/david-walliams-cops-backlash-for-pulling-down-boys-pants-on-stage-during-little-britain-australia-tour |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174947/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/300059361/david-walliams-cops-backlash-for-pulling-down-boys-pants-on-stage-during-little-britain-australia-tour |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Sara-Aisha |date=2020-07-15 |title=David Walliams blasted after video shows him pulling young men's trousers down |url=https://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/celebrity-news/david-walliams-blasted-after-video-22359519 |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Irish Mirror |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174950/https://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/celebrity-news/david-walliams-blasted-after-video-22359519 |url-status=live }} Walliams portrayed a fictional, gay, former children's entertainer and sex offender named Des Kaye who invites volunteers from the audience or celebrity guests to play the game.{{Cite web |last=Bird |first=Daniel |date=2022-11-10 |title=David Walliams' biggest controversies - blackface, 'predatory paedophile' sketch |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-walliams-biggest-controversies-blackface-28456967 |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=mirror |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174950/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-walliams-biggest-controversies-blackface-28456967 |url-status=live }} Recordings of the sketch include footage where Walliams attempts to kiss participants, manhandles them, pulls their trousers and underwear down, and simulates anal sex.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Reiss |date=2020-07-08 |title=David Walliams under fire again over disturbing Little Britain 'hide the sausage' routine involving teenagers as young as 16 |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2020/07/08/david-walliams-little-britain-hide-the-sausage-video-australia/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=PinkNews |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174949/https://www.thepinknews.com/2020/07/08/david-walliams-little-britain-hide-the-sausage-video-australia/ |url-status=live }} Volunteers are seen "grappling to keep their genitals covered." The sketch was criticised by gay rights campaigners and attracted criticism and concern from members of the public.

Footage from a 2007 BBC documentary titled Little Britain Down Under shows Walliams inviting male teenagers, said to be aged sixteen to eighteen, to play 'Hide the Sausage' on stage. Walliams asks the volunteers to confirm their ages and says "Bingo" when one claims they are sixteen years old before adding, "You're a big boy for 16 aren't you - that's what I'll tell the judge."

Walliams is seen pulling down the trousers and underwear of young men before he appears to kiss their buttocks and simulate anal sex. The volunteers attempt to keep their clothes on.

During the documentary, Walliams reads a letter he claims was written by a victim of sexual abuse who criticises the Des Kaye character.{{Citation |title=Little Britain Down Under |date=21 February 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lri1s4NrN2Q |language=en |access-date=2022-12-05 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174947/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lri1s4NrN2Q |url-status=live }} Elsewhere in the documentary, Walliams says, "I love cruelty, it's my favourite thing in the world."

In 2006, Walliams performed 'Hide the Sausage' during the Little Britain Comic Relief Gala at the Hammersmith Apollo.{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Sara-Aisha |date=2020-07-15 |title=David Walliams blasted after video shows him pulling young men's trousers down |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-walliams-blasted-after-video-22359236 |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=mirror |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174947/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-walliams-blasted-after-video-22359236 |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title=Soap star Jeremy Edwards exposed on Little Britain Live (2006) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_CTLENdffU |language=en |access-date=2022-12-05 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174947/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_CTLENdffU |url-status=live }} Participants included comedian David Baddiel and English actor Jeremy Edwards whose genitals were exposed to more than 3,000 people in the live audience.{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Steve |title=Showing a Little too much : News 2006 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide |url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2006/11/22/4734/showing_a_little_too_much |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=www.chortle.co.uk |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174949/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2006/11/22/4734/showing_a_little_too_much |url-status=live }} Walliams also 'dry humped' Edwards and lay on top of him. Walliams said on stage, "That was not meant to happen. You were not supposed to see gonad. Arse crack, yes. Gonad, no.'{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Steve |title=Showing a Little too much : News 2006 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide |url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2006/11/22/4734/showing_a_little_too_much |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=www.chortle.co.uk |language=en}} An image of the incident, that includes Edwards' penis, is available to purchase on Getty Images.{{Cite web |title=David Walliams and actor Jeremy Edwards perform on stage at the... |url=https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/david-walliams-and-actor-jeremy-edwards-perform-on-stage-at-news-photo/72632686 |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Getty Images |date=23 November 2006 |language=en-gb}}

Chortle reported that, "tellingly, Edwards{{snd}}who seemed genuinely embarrassed by the incident{{snd}}did not appear at the final curtain call."{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Steve |title=Showing a Little too much : News 2006 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide |url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2006/11/22/4734/showing_a_little_too_much |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=www.chortle.co.uk |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174949/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2006/11/22/4734/showing_a_little_too_much |url-status=live }}

On 2 November 2009, Walliams performed the sketch with Mark Ronson at London's O2 Academy Brixton in front of 3,000 people at a charity event for Concert for CARE.{{Cite web |date=2009-11-04 |title=David Walliams apologises for stripping Mark Ronson live onstage – Daily Gossip |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/daily-gossip-275-1311995 |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174947/https://www.nme.com/news/music/daily-gossip-275-1311995 |url-status=live }} Footage from the event shows Ronson trying to stop Walliams from pulling his trousers and underwear down.{{Cite web |last=Mirror.co.uk |date=2009-11-04 |title=David Walliams pulls down Mark Ronson's trousers at Brixton Academy CARE concert |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-walliams-pulls-down-mark-429031 |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=mirror |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174958/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/david-walliams-pulls-down-mark-429031 |url-status=live }} Ronson's buttocks were exposed.{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Steve |title=Walliams exposes Mark Ronson : News 2009 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide |url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2009/11/04/9883/walliams_exposes_mark_ronson |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=www.chortle.co.uk |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205174950/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2009/11/04/9883/walliams_exposes_mark_ronson |url-status=live }} After the event, Walliams was reported to have said, "When I put my mind to it, I have the strength of ten men so there's no stopping me. Mark is a cool, calm character. To put him in that position was out of his comfort zone."{{Cite web |last=Team |first=Cosmo |date=2009-11-04 |title=Walliams' pants gag |url=http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/celebs/celebrity-gossip/walliams-pants-gag-95617 |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Cosmopolitan |language=en-GB}} Walliams claimed that he offered to buy Ronson a new suit.

Matt Lucas discussed the 'Hide the Sausage' sketch in his 2017 autobiography titled Little Me and claimed that some audience members reacted with violence.{{Cite book |last=Lucas |first=Matt |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pkWFDgAAQBAJ&dq=%22During+a+game+of+%27Hide+the+Sausage%27%2C+he+would+almost+always+wrestle+the+trousers+off+some+poor+lad%22&pg=PT269 |title=Little Me: My autobiography |date=2017-10-03 |publisher=Canongate Books |isbn=978-1-78689-107-5 |language=en}} Lucas wrote that "during a game of 'Hide the Sausage', he would almost always wrestle the trousers off some poor lad" adding that, "You could never get away with that today. In fact he didn't always get away with it then. Sometimes David would get a clout for his troubles and I'd see him in the wings afterwards, nursing a sore ear."

Critics of the sketch included human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell who said it, "crosses a red line into the sexual humiliation of young men." Tatchell added:

Walliams' portrayal of a predatory paedophile is not funny. It's sickening and unacceptable. That sketch should not be repeated anywhere. It should be withdrawn from public viewing and filed in a film archive so that future historians have evidence of what passed for 'comedy' only 13 years ago. Some viewers will have interpreted Walliams as playing the trope of gay men as predators and paedophiles. Even though Walliams supports the LGBT+ community, his depiction plays into the hands of those who wrongly equate homosexuality with the exploitation of young people.

In 2011 Ofcom and Channel 4 received complaints regarding comments made by Walliams on Chris Moyles' Quiz Night.{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Steve |title=Walliams hounded for Harry Styles joke : News 2011 : Chortle : The UK Comedy Guide |url=https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2011/11/07/14257/walliams_hounded_for_harry_styles_joke |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=www.chortle.co.uk |language=en |archive-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926204848/https://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2011/11/07/14257/walliams_hounded_for_harry_styles_joke |url-status=live }} In regards to Harry Styles, Walliams said, "I'd like to suck his cock."{{Cite web |date=2011-11-06 |title=Channel Four criticised over David Walliams's 'disgusting' joke |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8871898/Channel-Four-criticised-over-David-Walliamss-disgusting-joke.html |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=The Telegraph |language=en |archive-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926204842/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8871898/Channel-Four-criticised-over-David-Walliamss-disgusting-joke.html |url-status=live }} Styles was 17 years old at the time. Then director of Mediawatch UK, Vivienne Pattison, criticised Channel 4's decision to broadcast the remark adding that "jokes like this set up a context of behaviour that somehow normalises and justifies it."{{Cite web |date=2011-11-06 |title=Channel Four criticised over David Walliams's 'disgusting' joke |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8871898/Channel-Four-criticised-over-David-Walliamss-disgusting-joke.html |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=The Telegraph |language=en |archive-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926204842/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8871898/Channel-Four-criticised-over-David-Walliamss-disgusting-joke.html |url-status=live }}

In early November 2017, Walliams caused upset through his dressing as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for Halloween and posting it online. He had shared the photograph on his Twitter account, in costume, wearing a black suit, wig, and artificial prosthetics that appeared to alter his eyelids and hairline. There was an immediate backlash online, many Twitter users branding the outfit "racist" and accusing Walliams of "yellow-face".{{Cite web|date=3 November 2017|title=David Walliams responds to backlash over 'racist' Halloween costume|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/david-walliams-halloween-costume-kim-jong-un-text-message-a8035166.html|access-date=11 February 2019|website=The Independent|language=en|archive-date=12 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212132356/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/david-walliams-halloween-costume-kim-jong-un-text-message-a8035166.html|url-status=live}} Others made the point that it was insensitive for Walliams to dress as Kim Jong-un given the North Korean leader's 'appalling' human rights record.{{Cite web|date=1 November 2017|title=David Walliams sparks outrage with 'racist' Halloween costume|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/david-walliams-racist-halloween-costume-kim-jong-un-twitter-backlash-comment-a8030726.html|access-date=11 February 2019|website=The Independent|language=en|archive-date=12 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212133756/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/david-walliams-racist-halloween-costume-kim-jong-un-twitter-backlash-comment-a8030726.html|url-status=live}} Walliams responded to the backlash lightly, constructing a fake text message from Kim Jong-un which he posted to Twitter, reading: "Hi Dave, Loved the Halloween outfit mate! Wet meself laughing. Don't see what all the fuss is about. Kim x. PS Can't wait to read Bad Dad."{{Cite web|last=Moore|first=Sam|date=3 November 2017|title=David Walliams responds to backlash over 'racist' Kim Jong-un Halloween costume|url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/david-walliams-kim-jong-un-halloween-costume-backlash-response-2156168|access-date=11 February 2019|website=NME|language=en-US}}

In January 2018, Walliams attended a Presidents Club Charitable Trust charity auction as a host, as well as offering the opportunity to name a character in a future book as an auction prize.{{Cite web|date=2018-01-26|title=David Walliams withdraws Presidents Club prize as shops pull his books|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/jan/26/walliams-withdraws-presidents-club-lot-as-bookshops-drop-his-titles|access-date=2022-11-10|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=26 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126214231/https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/jan/26/walliams-withdraws-presidents-club-lot-as-bookshops-drop-his-titles|url-status=live}} The 2018 event was his third time hosting, with Walliams additionally offering that he would be "personally presenting the book to your family over afternoon tea".{{Cite web|date=2018-01-24|title=Men-only gala auction prizes included meals with stars and MPs|url= https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jan/24/what-you-could-buy-men-only-presidents-club-charity-gala|access-date=2022-11-10|website=The Guardian|language=en}} This event was later subject to significant controversy, after undercover reporters stated many of the hostesses were subject to groping and sexual harassment from the all-male attendees.{{Cite web|date=2018-01-23|title=Men Only: Inside the charity fundraiser where hostesses are put on show|url=https://www.ft.com/content/075d679e-0033-11e8-9650-9c0ad2d7c5b5|access-date=2022-11-10|website=the Financial Times|language=en|archive-date=23 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123202644/https://www.ft.com/content/075d679e-0033-11e8-9650-9c0ad2d7c5b5|url-status=live}} Walliams said he attended the event in a "strictly professional capacity" as host,{{Cite tweet |author=David Walliams HQ|user=davidwalliams|number=956156052004884480|title=Last Thursday night I hosted the Presidents Club annual charity fundraiser. I agreed to host as it is one of the biggest charity fund raising events of the year. I was there in a strictly professional capacity and not as a guest.}} and "left immediately" after his set ended, stating that he was "absolutely appalled" by the reports.{{Cite web|date=2018-01-25|title=The Presidents Club charity fundraiser host David Walliams: I'm appalled at sexism claims|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/presidents-club-charity-fundraiser-host-david-walliams-i-m-appalled-at-sexism-claims-a3748616.html|access-date=2022-11-10|website=the Evening Standard|language=en|archive-date=10 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110212905/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/presidents-club-charity-fundraiser-host-david-walliams-i-m-appalled-at-sexism-claims-a3748616.html|url-status=live}} The controversy caused some bookshops to remove his books from sale, with the owner of Chicken and Frog noting "even if he was unaware, when the highly inappropriate suggested names were mentioned for his auction lot, or the plastic surgery to 'add spice to your wife', he should have walked away. He did not".

In June 2020, Netflix, Britbox, NOW TV and BBC iPlayer dropped Walliams and Lucas' Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, over the use of blackface and stereotypes to portray black, disabled, working class, transgender, and gay people.{{Cite news|date=9 June 2020|title=Little Britain pulled from iPlayer and Netflix because 'times have changed'|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52983319|access-date=30 November 2020|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129125903/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-52983319|url-status=live}} In Little Britain, both Walliams and Lucas use make up to portray different races, with Walliams portraying a black health-spa guest called Desiree Devere.{{Cite web|last=Nicholson|first=Tom|date=11 June 2020|title=How Did It Take This Long To Put 'Little Britain' In The Bin?|url=https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a32824790/little-britain-blackface/|access-date=30 November 2020|website=Esquire|language=en-GB|archive-date=16 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916205424/https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a32824790/little-britain-blackface/|url-status=live}} Variety Magazine attributed the widespread removal of the series on streaming platforms to heightened awareness in the wake of George Floyd's murder and the resulting Black Lives Matter protests.{{Cite web|last=Dams|first=Tim|date=9 June 2020|title='Little Britain' Removed by Netflix, BBC iPlayer and BritBox Amid Blackface Concerns|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/global/little-britain-netflix-bbc-iplayer-britbox-blackface-1234629078/|access-date=30 November 2020|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=16 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216145537/https://variety.com/2020/tv/global/little-britain-netflix-bbc-iplayer-britbox-blackface-1234629078/|url-status=live}} After the removal, Walliams and Lucas released identical apologies on their Twitter: "[We] have both spoken publicly in recent years of our regret that we played characters of other races. Once again we want to make it clear that it was wrong & we are very sorry."{{Cite web|last=Ravindran|first=Manori|date=13 June 2020|title='Little Britain' Creators Apologize After Netflix, BBC Pull Show Over Blackface Concerns|url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/global/little-britain-matt-lucas-david-walliams-apologize-netflix-bbc-blackface-1234634169/|access-date=30 November 2020|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126131407/https://variety.com/2020/tv/global/little-britain-matt-lucas-david-walliams-apologize-netflix-bbc-blackface-1234634169/|url-status=live}}

In November 2022, it emerged that Walliams had made sexually explicit and derogatory remarks towards some of the contestants on Britain's Got Talent, during a recording at the London Palladium in January 2020.{{Cite news |date=2022-11-10 |title=David Walliams made 'disrespectful comments' about Britain's Got Talent contestants |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63584677 |access-date=2022-11-10 |archive-date=10 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110200304/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63584677 |url-status=live }} He was recorded as saying of one of them, "She thinks you want to fuck her, but you don't... I know, she's just like: 'Oh, fuck off!' I was saying, she thinks you want to fuck her, but you don't. It's the last thing on your mind, but she's like: 'Yep, I bet you do!' 'No I don't!' I had a bit of a boner, but now it's going, it's now shrivelled up inside my body."{{Cite web |date=2022-11-10 |title=David Walliams recorded making derogatory remarks about BGT contestants |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/nov/10/david-walliams-recorded-derogatory-remarks-britains-got-talent-bgt-contestants |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Starkey |first=Adam |date=2022-11-10 |title=David Walliams apologises for "disrespectful" comments about 'Britain's Got Talent' contestants |url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/david-walliams-apologises-disrespectful-comments-britains-got-talent-contestants-3346878 |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=10 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110200302/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/david-walliams-apologises-disrespectful-comments-britains-got-talent-contestants-3346878 |url-status=live }} In a statement later, he said: "I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain's Got Talent in 2020. These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry."{{Cite web |title=David Walliams apologises for sexually explicit and offensive remarks about Britain's Got Talent contestants |url=https://news.sky.com/story/david-walliams-apologises-for-sexually-explicit-and-offensive-remarks-about-britains-got-talent-contestants-12743539 |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=Sky News |language=en |archive-date=10 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110200302/https://news.sky.com/story/david-walliams-apologises-for-sexually-explicit-and-offensive-remarks-about-britains-got-talent-contestants-12743539 |url-status=live }}

{{main|David Walliams filmography}}

Walliams was given a special award in recognition of his sporting efforts for charity. Matt Lucas produced a documentary on the subject, entitled Little Britain's Big Swim. On 6 November 2006, Walliams won the Pride of Britain Award for "The Most Influential Public Figure" as he raised more than £1.5 million swimming the channel for the Sport Relief charity. Although initially tipped as a contender for the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year poll for 2006, Walliams failed to make the final shortlist of 10 contenders. Walliams was given a special award during the ceremony for his achievement. In July 2006, he became Patron of 'Cardiac Risk in the Young'.{{cite news |title=David Walliams launches Heart Screening Partnership with Philips and Cardiac Risk in the Young |url=https://www.c-r-y.org.uk/david-walliams-launches-heart-screening-partnership-with-philips-and-cardiac-risk-in-the-young/ |access-date=22 August 2019 |work=C R Y.org}}

At the 2012 National Television Awards, Walliams won the 'Landmark Achievement Award', for his television career and achievements for Sport Relief. In December 2012 he won the Specsavers National Book Awards "Children's Book of the Year" for Ratburger.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/dec/05/el-james-national-books-award|title=EL James comes out on top at National Book awards|author=Alison Flood|date=5 December 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 December 2012|archive-date=5 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005063319/https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/dec/05/el-james-national-books-award|url-status=live}} In December 2013 he won the Specsavers National Book Awards "Children's Book of the Year" for Demon Dentist.{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalbookawards.co.uk/newsstory/neil-gaiman-wins-specsavers-book-year-2013/|title=Neil Gaiman Wins Specsavers Book of the Year 2013!|date=26 December 2013|work=nationalbookawards.co.uk.|access-date=27 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131228131431/http://www.nationalbookawards.co.uk/newsstory/neil-gaiman-wins-specsavers-book-year-2013/|archive-date=28 December 2013|url-status=dead}} In December 2014 he won the Specsavers National Book Awards "Children's Book of the Year" for Awful Auntie.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/27/david-nicholls-david-walliams-win-top-prizes-national-book-awards|title=David Nicholls and David Walliams win top prizes at National Book Awards|author=Alison Flood|date=27 November 2014|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 March 2015|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402095044/http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/nov/27/david-nicholls-david-walliams-win-top-prizes-national-book-awards|url-status=live}} Awful Auntie also won the 2014 Specsavers National Book Awards "Audiobook of the Year".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30224444|title=Mary Berry wins outstanding achievement book award|date=27 November 2014|work=BBC News|access-date=14 March 2015|archive-date=25 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225045921/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-30224444|url-status=live}}

Walliams has won the award for Best TV Judge at the 2015, 2018 and 2019 National Television Awards.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/11362045/National-Television-Awards-2015-full-list-of-winners.html|title=National Television Awards 2015: full list of winners|last1=Reporters|first1=Telegraph|date=22 January 2015|work=The Telegraph}}

He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2017 Birthday Honours for services to charity and the arts.{{London Gazette

| issue = 61962

| date = 17 June 2017

| page = B14

| supp = y

}} He was invested with the honour by Princess Anne.

{{main|David Walliams bibliography}}

{{Reflist}}

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Category:1971 births

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