In the early 2000s, David Walliams was everywhere. He, alongside Matt Lucas, became a comedic force withLittle Britain, a show that brilliantly, and sometimes controversially, mirrored British life. Characters like Vicky Pollard and Mr. Mann weren’t just funny; they tapped into a national consciousness, earning the duo Emmys, BAFTAs, and a devoted following.
The success ofLittle Britainpropelled them to further projects, including the mockumentaryCome Fly With Me, a hilarious send-up of airport chaos. Walliams then transitioned to the judging panel ofBritain’s Got Talentat the height of its popularity, becoming a familiar face in millions of homes. Simultaneously, he quietly began building a second career, captivating a new generation as a celebrated children’s author, even conquering the English Channel for charity.
But the spotlight isn’t always kind. A series of controversies began to cast a shadow over Walliams’ public image, leading to a noticeable withdrawal from the glitz and glamour he once embraced. Once a playful companion to Simon Cowell, he now finds himself distanced, even unfollowed on social media, and high-profile acting roles became fewer and farther between.
This Christmas will be particularly poignant for Walliams. He’s facing the holiday season without his twelve-year-old son, Alfred, who will be spending it with his mother and Walliams’ ex-wife. The revelation came as he discussed his new book,Santa & Son, a story about a fractured father-son relationship and the unexpected bonds that can form.
Speaking candidly, Walliams described the book’s central theme as exploring the “pain you feel as a parent when you don’t have your child at Christmas.” He acknowledged the societal pressure to be joyful during the holidays, but admitted that “melancholy creeps in,” especially when personal circumstances are difficult. He then shared his own reality, stating simply, “I don’t have him for Christmas.”
The festive season carries another layer of emotional weight for Walliams, marking the anniversary of his father’s death. He recalled the “horrendous” feeling of facing his first Christmas without him, recognizing that the holidays can be a time of forced happiness masking deeper grief and loss. It’s a stark reminder that even amidst celebration, sorrow can linger.
Despite the upcoming separation from his son, Walliams is looking forward to a pre-Christmas holiday with Alfred in the Maldives. However, those close to him reveal a deeper sense of loneliness. One source described him as a “troubled soul” despite his generosity and kindness, suggesting a quiet unhappiness beneath the public persona.
In 2022, Walliams’ decade-long run as a judge onBritain’s Got Talentcame to an abrupt end. Transcripts of inappropriate and offensive comments he made to contestants were published, revealing derogatory remarks about both women and the elderly. The revelations sparked widespread criticism and ultimately led to his departure.
Following the public outcry, Walliams stepped down from the show. While he issued an apology, he also pursued legal action against the production company, alleging misuse of private information. The case was settled, reportedly with a substantial payout, but also reportedly damaged his relationship with Simon Cowell, once a close friend and colleague.
Despite the controversies, a flicker of the past remains. Walliams recently spoke about the enduring popularity ofLittle Britain, noting its resurgence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. He and Lucas even expressed a desire to revisit the show, though its previous availability on streaming services was curtailed due to concerns about its portrayal of stereotypes.
