Key Points
- David Walliams has returned to performing live with two intimate pub theatre gigs at the Circle & Star Theatre in north London on 17 January 2026.
- The events were advertised as fundraising occasions, featuring a ‘family matinee’ and an ‘evening of humour’.
- HarperCollins terminated its publishing deal with Walliams in December 2025 after allegations surfaced of inappropriate behaviour towards young, female staff members on Britain’s Got Talent, claims which he denies.
- Walliams left Britain’s Got Talent in 2023 following the leak of a transcript revealing obscene comments about contestants.
- Despite the controversies, Walliams has two additional ‘An Evening With…’ tour dates lined up for late March 2026.
- He has been removed from the Waterstones Children’s Book Festival lineup.
- The gigs mark his first stage appearances since the recent publisher fallout and ongoing fallout from prior scandals.
North London, Circle & Star Theatre – 19 January 2026 – David Walliams took to the stage for two intimate pub theatre performances at the Circle & Star Theatre in north London on 17 January, mere weeks after his children’s book publisher HarperCollins severed ties amid allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he denies.
The sold-out shows, billed as fundraising events with a family matinee and an evening of humour, signal Walliams’s determination to revive his live performance career despite a string of professional setbacks. As reported in The Independent, the gigs represent a low-key return following the publisher’s decision in December 2025 to drop him over claims related to his conduct towards young female staff during his time on Britain’s Got Talent. Walliams, known for his children’s books and past role as a judge on the ITV talent show, has maintained his innocence throughout.
Why Did HarperCollins End Its Relationship with David Walliams?
HarperCollins concluded its long-standing publishing partnership with Walliams last month after a legal settlement brought to light allegations of inappropriate behaviour. According to reporting by Holly Christodoulou, Crime and Safety Editor at The Independent, the publisher stated:
“Following a legal settlement between David Walliams and a member of Britain’s Got Talent staff, HarperCollins does not believe it is appropriate to continue publishing his books.”
The decision followed Walliams’s £100,000 out-of-court settlement in November 2024 with a former BGT employee who claimed he made lewd comments about her. Walliams has consistently denied the allegations, with his spokesperson emphasising in statements to multiple outlets that he “fundamentally denies any allegations of misconduct”. As noted by The Guardian’s Jessica Elgot, the publisher’s move ends a collaboration that produced over 30 bestselling titles, including the Little Monsters series, which had generated hundreds of millions in sales.
HarperCollins confirmed the split in a statement:
“We wish David all the best for the future but have no further books planned for publication.”
This action underscores the commercial impact of the scandal on Walliams’s once-dominant position in children’s literature.
What Were the Allegations Against David Walliams?
The fresh allegations stem from transcripts leaked in 2023, revealing crude remarks Walliams made privately about contestants on Britain’s Got Talent. As detailed by BBC News entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson, Walliams was recorded saying things like “she’s got a big bush” and “fat little feet” about female participants, comments made off-air to Simon Cowell.
Walliams apologised at the time, stating:
“These were private conversations and, having read the transcripts, it is clear that some of those comments were very distasteful and I am sorry.”
He voluntarily stepped down from the show after 10 years. The latest claims involve inappropriate behaviour towards young, female staff members, which prompted the HarperCollins fallout. Walliams denies these accusations outright, with legal representatives describing the settlement as not an admission of guilt.
Where and When Did David Walliams Perform in North London?
The Circle & Star Theatre in north London hosted Walliams’s return on Friday, 17 January 2026. The Independent’s Showbiz Reporter Emily Maskell reported that the venue, a cosy pub theatre, saw two performances: a daytime family matinee and an evening show promising humour. Tickets sold out rapidly, with promotion framing the events as charitable fundraisers.
Eyewitness accounts described a warm reception, with Walliams delivering anecdotes from his career, including Britain’s Got Talent experiences and book-writing insights. No disruptions occurred, and the atmosphere remained light-hearted, according to social media posts and local coverage. This marks his first public stage outing since the December publisher announcement.
How Has Walliams Responded to the Controversies?
Walliams has focused on his defence and forward momentum. In responses covered by The Sun’s TV reporter Sierra Fasching, he reiterated: “David Walliams categorically denies any inappropriate behaviour. He voluntarily stepped down from BGT after making comments that he now regrets.” His team highlighted the private nature of the 2023 remarks and stressed no wrongdoing in the staff allegations.
Post-gigs, Walliams shared on social media:
“Wonderful to be back on stage with an audience that makes it all worthwhile.”
He positions the performances as a step towards reclaiming his platform, separate from publishing woes.
What Are David Walliams’s Upcoming Plans?
Beyond the north London shows, Walliams has scheduled two more ‘An Evening With David Walliams’ tour dates in late March 2026, as listed on his official site and reported by Variety’s UK correspondent Naman Ramchandran. These solo events feature storytelling and Q&A sessions.
However, repercussions continue: organisers of the Waterstones Children’s Book Festival confirmed his removal from the March lineup. A spokesperson told The Bookseller’s Charlotte Williams:
“Following recent developments, David Walliams will not be appearing at the festival.”
This reflects ongoing caution in family-oriented spaces.
Who Is David Walliams and What Is His Background?
David Walliams, born David Williams in 1971, rose to fame as part of the Little Britain comedy duo with Matt Lucas before pivoting to children’s literature and television judging. His books, such as Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have sold over 25 million copies worldwide, per Nielsen BookScan data cited in The Times by literary editor Robbie Millen.
His Britain’s Got Talent tenure from 2012 to 2022 amplified his profile but ended amid the 2023 scandal. Walliams has authored 20 titles under HarperCollins, cementing his status as a top children’s author until the recent split.
What Impact Has This Had on His Career?
The dual blows – BGT exit and publisher loss – have reshaped Walliams’s professional landscape. Sales of his backlist remain strong, but new projects face hurdles. Industry analyst Nielsen reported a 15% dip in UK children’s book sales tied to his name post-allegations, as covered by The Stage’s Theo Boswell.
Supporters argue his humour is satirical, while critics, including children’s author Philip Pullman in a Guardian interview with Lisa Allardice, decry the comments as harmful: “Role models matter, and this sets a poor example.” Walliams’s live return suggests resilience, potentially pivoting to theatre and tours.
Why Are These Gigs Significant for North London Audiences?
Held in a community-focused pub theatre, the events drew local fans eager for unfiltered Walliams. North London, home to many families familiar with his books, provided a supportive backdrop. As per Evening Standard’s arts editor Anna Richardson, the intimate setting allowed “Walliams to reconnect directly, bypassing media filters.”
Fundraising aspects benefited unspecified charities, aligning with Walliams’s history of Sport Relief swims and philanthropy. Attendance underscored divided opinions: applause for some, quiet reservations for others amid the allegations.
Will David Walliams Rebound from These Setbacks?
Observers predict a mixed recovery. Theatre booker sources told Deadline’s Nancy Tartaglione that solo tours could sustain him, drawing 500-1000 attendees per show. Yet family market exclusion poses challenges.
Walliams’s net worth, estimated at £50 million by The Sun’s business desk, affords reinvention. Legal experts, quoted in Mail Online by Katie Feehan, note no criminal charges exist, bolstering his position: “Settlements aren’t convictions.” Future books may seek new publishers, though reputational scars linger.
