Alton Towers closes David Walliams World five years after opening
Alton Towers closes David Walliams World after five years

Alton Towers has permanently closed the World of David Walliams, the themed area of the Staffordshire resort named after the TV star, just five years after it opened. The attraction, developed with Walliams and HarperCollins Children's Books, opened in 2021.

The park's creative team worked with Walliams and HarperCollins over several years to develop the section of the resort.

Official Statement and Rides

In a statement on its website, Alton Towers said: "As we are no longer in the main season, guests are encouraged to check the Alton Towers Resort website and app for the latest attraction opening information ahead of their visit."

A reason for the closure was not provided. The Daily Star has approached Alton Towers for further comment.

Rides in the Walliams-themed area included Gangsta Granny: The Ride, a 360-degree special effects attraction, as well as Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp and the Royal Carousel.

Previous Allegations

The closure follows Walliams being dropped by HarperCollins at the end of last year over claims he had harassed female employees at the company. Walliams has strongly denied the allegations.

The Children's Trust said the 54-year-old former Britain's Got Talent judge had been dropped as an ambassador for the charity, while the BBC said they had 'no future projects' in the pipeline for him.

According to The Telegraph, a complaint from a junior colleague regarding the comedian's alleged behaviour triggered interviews with additional staff members, resulting in his dismissal. Former workers claimed to the publication that they were warned against visiting his residence and advised to work in pairs during meetings with him.

A representative for HarperCollins stated at the time: "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."

Walliams rose to fame in comedy sketch show Little Britain in the early 2000s alongside co-star Matt Lucas. HarperCollins published his first children's book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008.