Walliams also built a highly successful career as a children’s author. He published his debut novel, The Boy in the Dress, illustrated by Quentin Blake, in 2008 and went on to write more than 40 books.
Among his best-known works was Gangsta Granny, which was adapted into a one-hour BBC special in 2013. A sequel starring Sheridan Smith followed in 2022, while the story was also brought to the stage.
By 2018, Walliams’ books accounted for 44% of HarperCollins’ children’s book sales. The publisher’s children’s division generated £100 million in revenue the following year.
In December 2025, HarperCollins announced that it would no longer publish new titles by Walliams, saying the decision had been made “after careful consideration” under the leadership of its new chief executive.
The publisher’s decision came after a Telegraph investigation into allegations that Walliams had “harassed” young women.
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HarperCollins said at the time: “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision.
“HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns. To respect the privacy of individuals we do not comment on internal matters.”
A spokesperson for Walliams, however, said he had “never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins”.
His representatives added: “He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”
Soon after HarperCollins ended its publishing relationship with him, Walliams was also removed from the line-up for the Waterstones Children’s Book Festival in Dundee.
