David Walliams stepped down as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent in 2022 after he was discovered to have made a number of disrespectful comments about contestants on the show.
Walliams, who is one of the UK’s best-known television personalities and a bestselling children’s book author, made the decision to quit after 10 years on the show following the revelation.
But what did he say and who will replace him on the hit reality TV show? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why did David Walliams leave Britain’s Got Talent?
According to a leaked transcript seen by The Guardian, Walliams referred to an older performer as a “c***” three times when he was out of earshot, following an unsuccessful audition.
During his audition, the contestant had engaged in light-hearted banter with the judges in which he made a jibe about Walliams, it has been reported.
Walliams’ comments were picked up by microphones used to capture discussions between the judges, which include Walliams, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden.
The transcript also suggests further sexually explicit comments were made after a female contestant had walked off the stage.
“She’s like the slightly boring girl you meet in the pub that thinks you want to f**k them, but you don’t,” he reportedly said.
Walliams reiterated: “She thinks you want to f**k her, but you don’t.”
He then added: “I know, she’s just like: ‘Oh, f**k off!’ I was saying, she thinks you want to f**k her, but you don’t. It’s the last thing on your mind, but she’s like: ‘Yep, I bet you do!’ ‘No I don’t!’ I had a bit of a boner, but now it’s going, it’s now shrivelled up inside my body.”
What did David Walliams say in response to the leak?
In a statement, Walliams said: “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.
“These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry.”
The Guardian reported that lawyers for Walliams and Thames TV, the production company behind Britain’s Got Talent, argued the comments were part of a private conversation never intended for broadcast.
In a statement, Thames TV said: “Although relating to a private conversation almost three years ago, the language used was inappropriate.
More on Television
“Even though it was private, those involved have been spoken to and reminded of their responsibilities and the show’s expectations as to future professional conduct.”
In a statement, ITV said: “We do not condone the language outlined in these allegations, and we have spoken to the producers of Britain’s Got Talent.
“Duty of care towards all participants on any of our programmes is always of paramount importance and we have protocols and guidelines in place for all our production partners.”
Who will take over as judge on Britain’s Got Talent now?
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli has now been confirmed as David Walliams’ replacement on Britain’s Got Talent.
The Italian choreographer and dancer joined his new co-stars at the first judges’ audition of the new series at the London Palladium on Tuesday.
The 67-year-old said: “Here we are, Britain’s Got Talent. I am so excited. It’s my first show, I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m sure it’s going to be brilliant.”