The World of David Walliams at Alton Towers will be permanently closed from Tuesday November 3 2026, the theme park has announced.
The closure follows a regular review of rides and attractions across the resort, and comes after HarperCollins announced it would no longer print the author's books.
Closure Details and Attractions Affected
Rides inspired by Walliams' children's books in the World of David Walliams area have been permanently shut down. These include Gangsta Granny: The Ride, Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp, The Royal Carousel, Raj's Shop and The Burger Kitchen.
The theme park said: "The World Of David Walliams will be permanently closed from Tuesday November 3 2026.
"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 spokesperson for Merlin Entertainments added: "As the 2026 peak season at Alton Towers Resort comes to an end and following our regular review of rides and attractions across the resort, we have taken the decision to permanently close the World Of David Walliams."
It is understood the decision was made taking into account a range of operational and guest experience decisions. Plans for the future use of the area will be announced once they have been confirmed.
Background of the Publisher Decision
The attraction first opened at the Staffordshire theme park in 2021. The closure follows HarperCollins dropping him in December 2025 after an investigation into allegations he had "harassed" young women.
The publisher reportedly opened an internal inquiry into Walliams' conduct last year after a junior employee lodged a complaint. During the probe, the author was allegedly kept away from some junior staff, while one employee is said to have left the business with a five-figure payout.
Publishing staff reportedly told The Telegraph they were told to work "in pairs" when meeting Walliams and they were advised not to visit his home.
A statement from a spokesperson in December said: "David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins.
"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."
Walliams' Career and Previous Controversies
He was dropped by the Waterstone's Children's Book Festival after the claims came out and the BBC said it has "no future projects directly involving" the presenter.
Walliams is a former Britain's Got Talent judge who has sold more than 60 million copies of his books globally. He is known for appearing in comedy shows including Come Fly With Me and Little Britain alongside Matt Lucas.
His books include The Boy In The Dress, Fing, and Gangsta Granny. Gangsta Granny was turned into a one-hour BBC special in 2013, followed by a sequel starring Sheridan Smith in 2022.
He left Britain's Got Talent in 2022 after apologising for making "disrespectful comments" about auditioning contestants during filming breaks in January 2020 at the London Palladium.
He was forced to apologise to contestants after a leaked transcript of sexist comments he made during a break in filming auditions at the London Palladium in January 2020. He referred to one contestant as a "c***" three times and spoke of another: "She thinks you want to f*** her, but you don't."
Walliams said after the scandal broke: "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."
In 2023, Britain's Got Talent producer Fremantle apologised and reached an "amicable resolution" with Walliams after the remarks he made while on the show were leaked.
