BBC axes funding from David Walliams project after X-rated comments on BGT

22 October 2023 , 18:24

858     0

David Walliams with BGT supremo Simon Cowell (Image: WireImage)

The BBC pulled part of its funding from a David Walliams project in the wake of his X-rated comments on Britain’s Got Talent, High Court documents claim.

The comedian alleges the Corporation withdrew the cash for an animation series of his 2011 book Gangsta Granny due to “negative publicity”. The claim forms part of the star’s £10million legal battle with BGT production company Fremantle.

Walliams, 52, left the ITV show last November after explicit off-screen remarks about contestants leaked. He says he was unaware they may have been recorded and transcribed, and that Fremantle broke data protection rules. But sources point to the fact that in April 2018, BGT announced all cameras “would now be rolling 24/7”.

Walliams and the cast of Gangsta Granny (BBC/Little Bert Limited/Gary Moyes)

The BBC has adapted seven of the star’s best-selling children’s books in the past 11 years. The most recent was last December’s Gangsta Granny Strikes Again, starring Walliams, ­Sheridan Smith, Kevin Bishop and Griff Rhys Jones. The Gangsta Granny series is in development but yet to be commissioned by the BBC.

It was able to secure extra funding, as well as the BBC’s initial contribution, which predated the BGT row. BBC sources declined to say whether it would be commissioned or not. But insiders close to Walliams insist the series is going into production soon and will be broadcast on the BBC.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

The comedian's children's book Gangsta Granny (Ayrshire Post)

“David remains the best-selling children’s author in the UK and the animation is progressing as expected,” they said. According to documents submitted by Walliams’s lawyer, other non-BBC adaptations of his books have been scrapped.

Documents also claim “schools, libraries and shops have removed his books” since the leaks, diminishing his sales and revenue from royalties. Fremantle has said it hoped to “resolve the matter amicably” but if needed would “robustly defend” itself.

Tom Bryant