David Walliams was spotted in North London on Thursday, marking his first public appearance since revealing he’ll be spending Christmas apart from his son, Alfred.
The Little Britain star, 54, looked subdued as he climbed into a chauffeur-driven Range Rover, dressed in a casual grey sweater and carrying a black jacket, sporting a stubbly beard.
The festive season is usually a joyful time for families, but this year Walliams faces the bittersweet reality of sharing the holiday at a distance from his 12-year-old son, whose Christmas turn falls with his mother, ex-wife Lara Stone.
Exploring Fatherhood in New Children’s Book
Earlier this week, Walliams opened up about his feelings in his latest children’s book, Santa and Son.
The story follows a young boy named Elvis, raised by a single mother, who forms a connection with a grumpy, retired Santa.
Through their shared adventure, themes of parental absence and family bonds are explored.
Speaking on New Zealand’s Mike Hosking Breakfast Show, Walliams reflected, “There’s often a kind of melancholy at Christmas when you’re away from your child… I wanted to capture that in the book.”
Despite the separation, he added he’s looking forward to taking Alfred on a pre-Christmas trip to the Maldives.
Life After Divorce with Lara Stone
Walliams and Lara Stone married in 2010 at London’s Claridge’s Hotel, but their marriage ended in 2015 after a brief court hearing that lasted under a minute.
Walliams cited “unreasonable behaviour” as the reason, and since then, Stone has built a new life with property developer David Grievson.
Stone and Grievson, who met on Tinder in 2018, tied the knot in a more intimate ceremony in 2021 and have been renovating their London home together.
Grievson, in a rare interview, shared his delight in creating a special “Narnia room” for Alfred, showing his dedication as a stepfather.
A Career Interrupted by Controversy
Once one of Britain’s most celebrated comedians, Walliams’ career took a hit following a series of offensive comments during Britain’s Got Talent auditions in 2022.
His show Little Britain, co-created with Matt Lucas, was pulled from Netflix, BBC, and BritBox due to content now deemed offensive.
Walliams, who once affectionately called Simon Cowell his “Number one girl,” has reportedly fallen out with the producer entirely, leaving a gap in his entertainment career.
He admits the experience affected him deeply, at times causing suicidal thoughts and questioning his own humor.
Finding Solace in Writing and Podcasting
Despite setbacks in television, Walliams has channeled his creativity into writing, releasing Santa and Son just in time for Christmas.
He is also hosting a podcast with Matt Lucas, Making a Scene, keeping a connection to his comedy roots while navigating the challenges of a changed public image.
Personal Struggles and Reflections
Growing up in suburban Banstead, Surrey, Walliams has faced periods of loneliness and unfulfilled crushes, and his relationships post-divorce have largely remained private.
The Christmas separation from Alfred highlights the ongoing balance he seeks between personal life, fatherhood, and career reinvention.
As he steps into this holiday season, Walliams confronts the complexities of fame, family, and personal growth, sharing his journey with the public in both his writings and interviews.
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