Who is David Walliams? Age, real name, ex-wife, children and career as comedian faces allegations

David Walliams became one of Britain's best-known television personalities through Little Britain, Britain's Got Talent and a hugely successful career writing children's books.

But the comedian, actor and author, 55, is now facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct and grooming following a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News.

Multiple women have accused Walliams of inappropriate sexual behaviour, including alleged incidents dating back to when they were teenagers. He strongly denies wrongdoing and insists he has never abused his position as a celebrity.

The allegations, published on Tuesday, November 10, follow a series of controversies that have seen Walliams leave Britain's Got Talent, lose his publishing deal and have a theme park attraction based on his books permanently closed.

Here is a look at his life, family, television career and the allegations against him.

Who is David Walliams and how old is he?

David Walliams is a British comedian, actor, television presenter and bestselling children's author who rose to fame alongside Matt Lucas in the BBC comedy series Little Britain.

He was born on August 20, 1971, in Wimbledon, south-west London, making him 55 years old.

He grew up in Banstead, Surrey, attending Collingwood Boys' School and Reigate Grammar School before studying at the University of Bristol.

Walliams met his future comedy partner Matt Lucas through the National Youth Theatre.

What is David Walliams' real name?

David Walliams was born David Edward Williams.

He changed his surname to Walliams after joining the actors' union Equity because another performer was already registered under the name David Williams.

The unusual spelling subsequently became one of the most recognisable names in British television and children's publishing.

Was David Walliams married and does he have children?

Walliams was previously married to Dutch supermodel Lara Stone.

The couple married in 2010 but separated in 2015, with their divorce bringing their five-year marriage to an end.

They have one son together, Alfred, who was born in 2013 and is now 13.

Walliams has generally kept his son's private life out of the public spotlight.

Why is David Walliams famous?

Walliams first became a household name through Little Britain, the BBC sketch comedy series he created with Matt Lucas.

The programme ran for three series between 2003 and 2006, producing some of British television's most recognisable comedy characters.

The pair subsequently reunited for Little Britain USA in 2008 and the airport comedy Come Fly With Me in 2010.

However, both programmes later attracted criticism over their use of blackface and portrayals of ethnic minorities. Little Britain was removed from streaming services in 2020 before returning to the BBC in an edited form.

Walliams and Lucas apologised for using blackface.

Walliams also made appearances in Doctor Who, EastEnders, The Bill and other television programmes.

Why did David Walliams leave Britain's Got Talent?

Walliams joined the judging panel of ITV's Britain's Got Talent in 2012, appearing alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon.

He remained on the programme for a decade and won the National Television Award for best TV judge three times.

However, he left the show in 2022 following revelations that he had made sexually explicit and derogatory remarks about contestants during breaks in filming.

Walliams apologised for making disrespectful comments.

He subsequently brought legal action against the show's production company, Fremantle, over the leaking of the remarks.

The company apologised and reached an amicable resolution with him in 2023.

What children's books has David Walliams written?

Walliams became one of Britain's most commercially successful children's authors after publishing his first novel, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008.

His books include Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy, Mr Stink, The Midnight Gang and Fing.

Several were adapted for television or the stage, including Gangsta Granny, which became a BBC television special in 2013.

He has written more than 40 books and sold over 60 million copies worldwide.

However, in December 2025, publisher HarperCollins announced that it would not publish any new books by Walliams following allegations concerning his conduct towards young women.

Walliams strongly denied behaving inappropriately and said he had not been given an opportunity to respond to allegations raised with the publisher.

Why is David Walliams in the news now?

Walliams has been accused of sexual misconduct and grooming by multiple women in a joint investigation by The Guardian and ITV News published on November 10, 2026.

Two women alleged they first met him when they were 15 years old and subsequently experienced grooming.

One woman alleged that an encounter at his home amounted to sexual assault. Other women described unwanted advances or inappropriate behaviour, while additional allegations concerned his time at Britain's Got Talent and HarperCollins.

Walliams strongly denies the allegations, including accusations of grooming, sexual assault and abusing his celebrity status.

In a response to the investigation, he acknowledged that he had sometimes behaved thoughtlessly in past relationships but denied abusing his power or breaking the law.

He stated: "I am not a sexual predator."

Walliams also unsuccessfully sought a High Court injunction to prevent publication of the allegations.

The judge dismissed the application, although the court stressed that it had not determined whether the allegations were true.

Why has Alton Towers closed its David Walliams attraction?

Alton Towers permanently closed its World of David Walliams attraction in November 2026.

The themed area had featured rides and attractions inspired by his children's books, including Gangsta Granny: The Ride and Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp.

The closure followed HarperCollins' decision to end its publishing relationship with Walliams.

What other achievements is David Walliams known for?

Away from television and publishing, Walliams has raised millions of pounds for charity through endurance challenges.

In 2006, he swam the English Channel in aid of Sport Relief, raising approximately £1.5 million.

He was appointed an OBE in 2017 for services to charity and the arts.