David Walliams has been removed from the family fantasy film Fing! following sexual misconduct allegations against the comedian and former Britain's Got Talent judge. The film's producers confirmed that his cameo appearance had been cut and that he would have no further involvement in its release or promotional campaign. The announcement came after Sky revealed plans to withdraw from its UK and Ireland distribution agreement for the film.
'We take the allegations reported regarding David Walliams seriously. Our thoughts are with anyone who has been affected', a spokesperson for the producers said, adding 'We have removed his cameo appearance from 'Fing!', and he will have no involvement in the film's release or promotion. We will not be commenting further'.
The statement marks a further setback for Walliams, whose involvement in the production had come under scrutiny following reports detailing allegations about his conduct towards teenage girls and young women.
Sky Withdraws From 'Fing!' Distribution Agreement
Sky announced on Tuesday, 10 November, that it intended to exit its UK and Ireland licensing arrangement for Fing!. 'The allegations made against David Walliams are extremely serious', a Sky spokesperson said, confirming that the company had informed the film's producers of its decision.
Walliams, 55, previously co-wrote the screenplay and served as an executive producer, in addition to having a cameo appearance in the film. The producers have now confirmed that his appearance has been removed. However, Sky's withdrawal does not mean the film has been cancelled internationally.
US distributor Angel continues to list a theatrical release for 15 January 2027. The completed film also premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. No replacement distributor for the UK and Ireland has been announced.
Directed by Jeffrey Walker, Fing! is based on Walliams' children's book of the same name. The fantasy adventure follows a girl whose unusual demands lead her parents on a search for a rare, furry, one-eyed creature known as a Fing. The film also features Blake Harrison, Mia Wasikowska, Taika Waititi, Penelope Wilton and Matt Lucas, who voices the titular creature.
David Walliams Faces Allegations Involving Teenage Girls
Sky's decision followed an investigation published on Tuesday, 10 November, in which multiple women accused Walliams of using his celebrity status to pursue teenagers and young women. Two women reportedly said they first met the comedian when they were 15.
One of them alleged that an encounter at that age amounted to sexual assault. Walliams denies the allegations, including any suggestion that he committed a criminal offence. Other claims concern his conduct during his time on Britain's Got Talent and his former publishing relationship with HarperCollins.
The comedian had attempted to prevent publication of the allegations through a High Court injunction. However, his application was dismissed on 3 November, and he did not appeal the decision. Responding to the claims, Walliams said: 'I am not a sexual predator'. He also denied breaking the law.
The allegations have prompted further professional consequences. His former talent agency, Independent Talent Group, has ended its representation of him, while the BBC is reviewing material featuring the comedian and removing some programmes, including Little Britain. Sky has also confirmed that it has removed content featuring Walliams from its platforms.
