David Walliams, who has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple young women, changed his name at the start of his career. The 55-year-old comedian, writer and TV personality was born David Edward Williams in Merton, London.
He is reported to have changed his name after joining the Acting College Equity, when he noticed someone had already registered with his name. Following the change, Walliams studied Drama at the University of Bristol.
Welsh roots and career
Walliams, whose favourite places in Wales are reportedly Portmeirion and Tenby, previously explained: "My real name is Williams, which at least sounds a bit Welsh. I had to change it to join Equity." He added: "I am a quarter Welsh. My granddad was Welsh, so I'm very proud of my Welsh roots."
"I've always had a great time in Wales. I filmed there for Dr Who, we toured there with Little Britain, we've been there with Britain's Got Talent and always get a fantastic welcome."
Allegations and legal action
Walliams has been accused of grooming young fans and harassing women in the workplace, after failing to stop the Guardian and ITN publishing claims against him. A three-year investigation by the two news organisations alleged the Little Britain star and former Britain's Got Talent judge preyed on teenage girls as young as 15 and young women for sexual purposes.
He had sought a High Court injunction to prevent publication, with his lawyers arguing that if the allegations were made public Walliams would likely kill himself. The court refused the request.
Walliams has denied all of the allegations but, in a letter to journalists working on the investigation, acknowledged "at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with". He added: "I am not a sexual predator. I have not broken the law, but I am devastated that some of the women I met 10 to 20 years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me."
