David Walliams’ old school considers removing his books as calls for ban grow

David Walliams’ former primary school is considering pulling his children’s books from its shelves as the fallout from sexual misconduct allegations against the star grows.

Collingwood Boys’ School in Wallington, south London, where Walliams was once a pupil, has confirmed it is reviewing its library collection following the claims against the 55-year-old.

The move comes amid mounting questions over whether schools and libraries should continue stocking books by the former Britain’s Got Talent judge, including bestsellers Mr Stink and The Boy in the Dress.

A school spokesperson said: “Collingwood regularly reviews the books available to pupils.

“The current situation surrounding David Walliams has prompted us to revisit our collection as part of this ongoing process, rather than as an isolated or reactive decision.”

Walliams faces allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual assault from several women following an investigation by ITV News and The Guardian.

One woman alleged she was just 15 when the comedian first contacted her.

Walliams, who unsuccessfully tried to block publication of the investigation through the High Court, denies all the allegations and insists he is not a “sexual predator”.

Now children’s author and teacher Emma Rosen is calling for urgent guidance to help schools decide what to do with his books.

She said: “Lots of school teachers and librarians have felt uncomfortable enough to remove these books from their shelves.”

But she warned against outright censorship, arguing that books should instead be assessed for age suitability.

“Banning books is not necessarily a good way forward and I don’t believe in censoring them,” she said.

The controversy is already having wider repercussions.

Waterstones is reportedly discussing returning remaining stock, while the BBC has removed Little Britain from iPlayer, describing the allegations as “serious”.

The World of David Walliams attraction at Alton Towers also closed permanently earlier this month.

Walliams’ publishing career had already faced criticism over allegedly harmful stereotypes in his books, including a character removed from a later edition of The World’s Worst Children.

Publisher HarperCollins announced in September that it would no longer publish his books.

Rosen warned that parents are likely to demand answers from schools in the coming days, leaving teachers and librarians facing difficult decisions.

“I really feel for people who are navigating this,” she said.