It feels like a lifetime ago that David Walliams was the undisputed king of the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel. You remember how it was, right? He was the cheeky one, the guy who would constantly flirt with Simon Cowell just to see him squirm. For ten years, from 2012 to 2022, he was basically the heart of the show's comedy. But then, everything just sort of imploded.
One minute he’s winning "Best Judge" at the National Television Awards, and the next, he’s gone. It wasn’t a "mutual decision" in the way PR people usually lie about these things. It was messy. Honestly, it was a total disaster that ended in a High Court battle and some truly ugly headlines that nobody saw coming.
The Hot Mic Moment That Changed Everything
So, what actually happened? Basically, David got caught by a "hot mic."
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In November 2022, a leaked transcript from a 2020 recording at the London Palladium hit the press. It was bad. According to the documents, David referred to one elderly contestant—a pensioner who had made a lighthearted jibe at him—as a "c**t" three times after the man walked off stage.
But it didn't stop there.
There were also sexually explicit, derogatory remarks about a female contestant. He said things like, "She thinks you want to f*** her, but you don't." He even made a comment about having a "boner" that had "shrivelled up."
It was a side of David that the Saturday night family audience had never seen. People were shocked. You’ve got to remember, this is a guy who writes best-selling children's books. The "national treasure" image didn't just crack; it shattered into a million pieces.
The Lawsuit Most People Forgot
After he left the show and was replaced by Bruno Tonioli in early 2023, things didn't just go quiet. David actually sued Fremantle, the production company behind BGT.
He didn't just want an apology. He was looking for up to £10 million.
His argument was pretty intense. He claimed the company committed a massive data protection breach by recording and keeping private conversations that were never meant for the show. His lawyers argued that he didn't know his microphone was on during breaks. They even said the whole ordeal caused him "psychiatric harm" and made him lose his ability to be funny because he was constantly terrified of being recorded.
In late 2023, they settled. Fremantle apologized, saying they were "sincerely sorry" for the distress caused by the publication of his private conversations. They paid him a "substantial" amount—though probably not the full £10 million—and everyone officially moved on.
Sorta.
Why Britain’s Got Talent David Walliams Still Matters in 2026
Even now, fans are divided. You see it on Reddit all the time. Some people miss the chaos he brought to the desk. They think Bruno Tonioli is a bit "too much" or that the chemistry between Simon, Amanda, and Alesha has never quite recovered.
Others? They can't look at him the same way.
Especially after his publishing house, HarperCollins, reportedly ended their contract with him in 2025 following separate internal investigations. It feels like the BGT exit was the beginning of the end for that specific era of his career.
What users often ask about this saga:
- Did Simon Cowell fire him? Not exactly, but the offer for his 2023 contract was reportedly withdrawn after the Guardian published the leak.
- Was he really suicidal? Court documents mentioned he suffered from "uncontrollable negative thoughts" and suicidal ideation following the scandal. It was a dark time.
- Will he ever come back? Honestly? Probably not. The bridge isn't just burnt; it’s been demolished and the site has been cleared.
What We Can Learn From the Fallout
The whole Britain’s Got Talent David Walliams situation changed how reality TV is filmed. Producers are now way more careful about "hot mics," and talent contracts have become even more restrictive. It’s a reminder that even in the world of "reality," there’s a very thick line between the character you play and who you are when you think the cameras are off.
If you’re a fan of the show, the best way to keep up with the current judging dynamic is to watch the latest auditions on ITVX or follow the official BGT YouTube channel. It’s a different show now—less "Little Britain" humor, more traditional variety—but the drama behind the scenes will likely remain the most memorable part of the Walliams era.
To stay informed on how the show continues to evolve, you can check out the official ITV Britain's Got Talent page for the latest series updates and casting news.
Next Steps for You:
- Audit your digital footprint: If a "hot mic" can take down a multimillionaire, think about your own private vs. public online presence.
- Watch the transition: Compare Series 15 (Walliams' last) with Series 16 (Tonioli's first) to see how the "edit" of the show changed to fill the comedic gap.
- Stay updated on the 2026 season: Follow the official social media channels to see if the show addresses its past or continues its shift toward a more "family-safe" atmosphere.