The Lincoln Waterstones was abuzz with anticipation as Walliams took the time to greet his adoring readers, sign copies of “The Blunders,” and share stories about his writing process. Among the delighted crowd was 9-year-old Cody James, accompanied by his mother, Gemma, and 10-year-old Maddie Lawley, along with her brother Charlie. Thames TV, the production company behind Britain’s Got Talent, which is part of FremantleMedia, said the company regarded Walliams’ comments as private but that his language was “inappropriate”. Lawyers for Walliams and Thames TV said the comments were part of a private conversation never intended for broadcast.

David Walliams has revolutionised reading for children and has become one of the most influential children’s writers today. Since the publication of his ground-breaking first novel, The Boy in the Dress (2008), Walliams has seen unprecedented growth with global sales exceeding 55 million copies, and his books translated into 55 languages across 37 titles, including two charity releases, Blob (World Book Day 2017) and The Queen’s Orang-utan (Comic Relief 2015). Collectively across his titles, David has celebrated 78 weeks (non-consecutive) at number one in the overall book charts and more than 239 weeks (non-consecutive) at number one in the Children’s charts – an achievement no other children’s writer has reached. Walliams was judging alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon when the remarks were made. Shortly after the transcript was leaked, the former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli was announced as David Walliams’ replacement on Britain’s Got Talent in January 2023.

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Meet the Blunders: Bertie, Betsy, their children Brutus and Bunny, their beloved grandma Old Lady Blunder and their pet ostrich, Cedric. An ostrich is not a sensible pet, but then the Blunders are not sensible people. They are the silliest, clumsiest, funniest family in the world. Maddie Lawley, who was holding a copy of “The World’s Worst Children,” shared her experience with an infectious grin. “David Walliams is even funnier in person! He told us all about ‘The Blunders’ and how he came up with the characters. It was amazing to meet him, and I can’t wait to read the new book.” Maddie Lawley and her brother Charlie after meeting David Walliams. It’s moments like these that make writing for children so rewarding,” Walliams noted. “Their excitement and enthusiasm is truly infectious, and I hope that ‘The Blunders’ will bring as much joy to them as it did for me while writing it.”

Eight-year-old Maddie Lawley and her brother Charlie were equally thrilled. “Meeting David Walliams was like a dream come true. I love his books, and he’s really nice. I can’t wait to start reading ‘The Blunders’.” David Walliams said: “It’s my funniest book yet. I can’t wait for everyone to meet the most eccentric family of all time, the Blunders. It was a blast to write and I hope will be a blast to read too.”

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Adam Stower is an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books. Adam’s most recent accolade was winning the 2020 Alligator’s Mouth Award for Illustrated Early Fiction with King Coo: The Curse of the Mummy’s Gold. Adam was born in England, grew up in Switzerland and has loved drawing ever since he was old enough to hold a crayon. He went to art school in Norwich, and Brighton too, where he still lives beside the sea with his wife and a cat called Murray. Cally Poplak, executive publisher, said: “Hot off the heels of securing the bestselling children’s book of 2022 we couldn’t be more excited to publish David Walliams’ next adventure. David’s books bring joy and laughter to children and parents around the globe." In a statement after the incident, Thames TV said: “Although relating to a private conversation almost three years ago, the language used was inappropriate. Even though it was private, those involved have been spoken to and reminded of their responsibilities and the show’s expectations as to future professional conduct.”

An instant comedy classic, with characters brought hilariously to life by Adam Stower, The Blunders will give readers everywhere the gift of laughter this Autumn. The characters from The World of Walliams have escaped their books and are running riot across games and puzzles. Board games, card games, jigsaw puzzles and more have been invaded by the likes of Mr Stink and Gangsta Granny. Can you help Grandpa escape the clutches of the evil Miss Swine? Perfect for getting every Walliams fan in the house together for games night!In his hilarious chapter books for older children, David Walliams has introduced us to unforgettable characters such as Gangsta Granny, The Billionaire Boy, Spaceboy and of course Raj the corner shop owner. With stories that young readers can’t wait to get their hands on, Walliams’ books are a must-have for children’s bookshelves. This family of hapless blunderers live in a crumbling country house named Blunder Hall. But when they find themselves facing a terrible threat, they must do what they’ve never done before – come together, Blunder to Blunder, as a family, to save Blunder Hall. What could possibly go wrong…?

Walliams said Pinocchio was one of his favourite stories growing up, and that he wanted to create his own version with a robot police dog who yearned to be a real dog. “It is a comedy adventure story with a group of supervillains, but I hope my readers will find a positive message in there about being whoever you want to be,” he said. David Walliams and Tony Ross have become the dream team for heart-warming picture books that little ones and their parents love to read again and again. From a slightly annoying elephant, to Boogie Bear, to Geronimo the baby penguin; Walliams and Ross have sparked little ones’ love of books with vibrant and fun characters.Cody, clutching his freshly acquired copy of “The Blunders,” couldn’t contain his excitement as he met the author in person. “Meeting David Walliams was like meeting Superman. He even signed my book, and it’s going to be my favourite forever”.