David Walliams shares the emotional impact of a Christmas without his son following a career downfall
David Walliams is facing a difficult Christmas this year, as he will spend the festive season without his 12-year-old son, Alfred. The former Britain’s Got Talent judge has been distanced from the limelight in recent months, after a series of offensive remarks led to his fall from grace. Now, the star finds himself dealing with the aftermath of being ‘cancelled’ and struggling with personal and professional challenges.
The Little Britain comic, once a beloved figure in British entertainment, has taken a significant step back from his career, and it appears that his relationship with his former Britain’s Got Talent co-judge, Simon Cowell, has soured. Insiders claim that the once close duo no longer communicate at all, highlighting the deep divisions that have marked Walliams’ career downfall.
This Christmas, Walliams’ son Alfred, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Dutch model Lara Stone, will be spending the holidays with his mother. As a result, David will be without his son for the festive period, a painful reality he recently opened up about. Walliams, who separated from Lara in 2015, explained how the absence of his son during Christmas brings back painful memories of the first Christmas he spent after the death of his father in 2008.
Reflecting on his personal grief, Walliams said, “I remember dreading that first Christmas without him. It was horrendous to miss him. It’s one of those times where you’re almost forced to be happy, but it’s not always the happiest, especially if you’re grieving.”
Despite the emotional challenges, Walliams expressed gratitude for the time he has with his son before Christmas, revealing that they are planning an early holiday trip to the Maldives. He shared, “I’m taking my son away before Christmas to the Maldives. He’s really into scuba diving, so we’re going to go diving together. I’m very excited about it.”
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The difficult circumstances surrounding Walliams’ personal life are compounded by the aftermath of his career struggles. Following the removal of Little Britain from the air in 2022 due to the changing cultural landscape, Walliams confessed to feeling as though he had lost his comedic talents. The loss of the show he co-created with Matt Lucas in 2003, which was once adored by fans, added to his professional turmoil.
Walliams also admitted that he had experienced suicidal thoughts during this time. His mental health struggles and the public backlash over his comments on Britain’s Got Talent have further complicated his personal life, as he works to rebuild his career and emotional well-being.
The once-celebrated star has now stepped away from the industry, and although he will spend Christmas without Alfred this year, Walliams is focused on creating meaningful experiences with his son. The upcoming Maldives trip stands as a bittersweet reminder of both his love for his son and the need to carve out joyful moments amid ongoing personal challenges.
As the holiday season draws near, Walliams’ story serves as a poignant reminder that, behind the headlines, celebrities too grapple with loss, loneliness, and the complexities of rebuilding after public controversies. Despite the challenges, Walliams seems determined to move forward, cherishing the time he has with his son and trying to find peace amid the fallout from his past actions.