David Walliams once admitted having a “huge crush” on Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, but she chose to remain friends rather than pursue a romance.
The comedian’s relationship with the pop star has resurfaced as he faces allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women.
In 2024, Walliams, 55, told the Fitzy and Wippa radio show that he developed romantic feelings for Imbruglia, 51, after they met in 2009.
“She very much friend-zoned me,” Walliams said of their relationship.
“We didn’t go on any dates. We just became very good friends and hung out together.
“But, you know, it’s hard not to fall for her like a ton of bricks because she is amazing.”
David Walliams (pictured) once described having a “huge crush” on Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia, who preferred to remain friends
Walliams, 55, told the Fitzy and Wippa radio show in 2024 that he was romantically interested in Imbruglia, 51, (pictured) when they met in 2009
Walliams said he ultimately felt Imbruglia could easily have found a more suitable partner.
“Look at me. Let’s be honest, she could do a lot better,” he said.
The pair were pictured together at various social events between 2009 and 2021.
“I think I’m seen as the sort of gay best friend by a lot of people,” Walliams said when describing their dynamic.
Walliams is facing renewed scrutiny this week after a gag order shielding him from claims of sexual misconduct was lifted.
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The comedian allegedly had an inappropriate sexual relationship with an intern at publisher HarperCollins and pursued another employee before the company dropped him over “inappropriate behaviour towards young women”.
“I think I’m seen as the sort of gay best friend by a lot of people,” Walliams said of their relationship
Walliams is facing scrutiny after a gag order shielding him from sexual misconduct claims was lifted
Walliams, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and preying on multiple teenagers, acknowledges having had a consensual sexual relationship with the intern.
He has strongly denied allegations of grooming, sexual assault and abusing his celebrity status.
HarperCollins launched an inquiry into Walliams in late 2023, with the investigation concluding in 2024.
The publisher dropped him in December 2025, and in September this year HarperCollins said it would no longer publish his books.
Walliams denies sexually harassing anyone at HarperCollins or behaving inappropriately in the workplace.
In a statement responding to an investigation by ITV News and The Guardian, the company said: “HarperCollins UK previously terminated its publishing relationship with David Walliams.
“We take the safety of our people incredibly seriously and, to respect individuals’ privacy, we do not comment on employee matters.”
Walliams has also been accused of “abusing his status” on Little Britain and Britain’s Got Talent (BGT), as well as engaging in “inappropriate and exploitative sexual activities” with “a large number” of young women and girls.
He denies any wrongdoing and told the High Court that he would kill himself if his identity were revealed.