The World of David Walliams at Alton Towers is to close its doors just five years after opening to huge fanfare – in the latest blow to the comedian following his spectacular fall from grace.
The attraction, which opened in May 2021, is being permanently axed as part of Merlin Entertainments' annual review of its rides and attractions at the end of the main season.
Inspired by Walliams’ books for children, its flagship ride was Gangsta Granny, an £18million attraction, as well as two other rides based on his Gangsta Granny book: Flavio’s Fabulous Fandango and Royal Carousel.
the news comes after the star, 55, was dropped by publisher HarperCollins amid historic allegations of 'inappropriate behaviour towards women' – which he strongly denies.
Mr Walliams was dropped by HarperCollins in December 2025, after the allegations came to light. He was accused of harassing employees at the firm.
HarperCollins reportedly carried out an internal inquiry after a junior employee made a complaint in 2023, The Guardian reported.
A spokesperson from Merlin Entertainments said: 'As the 2026 peak season at Alton Towers Resort comes to an end and following our regular review of rides and attractions across the resort, we have taken the decision to permanently close the World of David Walliams.'
Although HarperCollins initially continued to publish his back catalogue, it has now dropped the full list of his titles and will also phase out existing bookshop stock, The Bookseller reported.
Alton Towers' attraction The World of David Walliams, which is inspired by his children's books and opened in 2021, is set to close
It follows allegations of Mr Walliams' 'inappropriate behaviour towards women', which he has denied
Mr Walliams, best known for starring in BBC comedy Little Britain, became an award-winning children's author whose books have sold more than 60million copies.
The TV star, real name David Edward Williams, is estimated to have sold £100million worth of books including The Boy In The Dress, Fing, and Gangsta Granny.
Former employees said they had been advised to work in pairs when dealing with the UK's most successful children's author, and warned against visiting his home because of his behaviour.
He was accused of harassing employees at the firm and a probe was carried out after one of them raised a complaint. He has always denied any wrongdoing.
The comedian and author, who strongly denied the historic allegations, has largely been absent from public life since.
His last post to his two million Instagram followers was in March this year.
The World of David Walliams was also home to Raj's Shop, a gift retailer which is named after a character who appears in many of his books
The attraction at Alton Towers, meanwhile, has appeared to be quietly disappearing in recent months, according to reports.
Visitors to the UK's biggest theme park reported that the attraction was closed for much of the week, with many of the rides looking decidedly unloved.
The attraction was also home to Raj's Shop, a gift retailer which is named after a character who appears in many of his books.