David Walliams’ CBBC specials remain on iPlayer despite reports he’s been axed from film for misconduct

David Walliams’ television adaptations of his best-selling children’s books remain available to watch on BBC iPlayer, despite reports that the comedian and author has been dropped from an upcoming film following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

A source close to production for “The Road to Nevermore” told TMZ Walliams had been removed from the film, following the allegations that led his publisher to drop him. The report does also state that his involvement in the film was never officially confirmed, and David had only been included on a preliminary cast list.

The continued availability of the family comedy dramas comes after books by Walliams were reportedly dropped by his publisher, raising questions about the different approaches being taken to his work across the entertainment and publishing industries.

The BBC’s streaming platform continues to list a collection of adaptations based on Walliams’ popular children’s stories, several of which originally aired as festive television specials on CBBC.

Which David Walliams TV specials are still on BBC iPlayer?

The titles currently listed include The Midnight Gang, The Boy in the Dress, Gangsta Granny, Billionaire Boy, Mr Stink and Grandpa’s Great Escape.

The adaptations feature stories about children navigating unusual circumstances, unlikely friendships and extraordinary adventures, with the productions aimed at family audiences.

Among the available titles is The Midnight Gang, which follows Tom after he is struck on the head by a cricket ball and ends up in St Hugo’s Hospital. The programme first aired on Boxing Day in 2018.

Also listed is The Boy in the Dress, a one-off family comedy about a boy frustrated by the dull, grey world around him. The adaptation was broadcast on Boxing Day in 2014.

Gangsta Granny, which aired in 2013, tells the story of Ben, who believes his granny is boring before discovering that she has a secret. Meanwhile, Billionaire Boy follows father and son Len and Joe after Len’s invention of a new type of toilet roll makes them billionaires.

The collection also includes Mr Stink, about an unhappy schoolgirl who befriends a homeless man and his dog, and Grandpa’s Great Escape, in which an elderly former Second World War flying ace attempts to escape from a care home.

BBC also promoted Walliams’ episode of Who Do You Think You Are?

The continued presence of Walliams’ television work on the BBC’s platform follows another recent example involving the broadcaster’s archive.

As previously reported, the BBC was directing viewers towards Walliams’ edition of Who Do You Think You Are? when audiences were looking to watch the latest episode featuring Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones.

The episode featuring Walliams forms part of the programme’s existing catalogue, meaning viewers searching for the series could encounter his instalment alongside those featuring other celebrities.

The availability of the programme and the children’s adaptations has prompted renewed attention to how older productions featuring public figures remain accessible when their professional relationships with other organisations reportedly change.

A different approach from publishers?

The contrast with the reported decision to drop Walliams’ books is particularly notable given the popularity of the stories on which the television adaptations are based.

When dropped by HarperCollins, Walliams denied the allegations of inappropriate behaviour, with a spokesperson for him saying in a statement: “David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins. He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”

In 2025, HarperCollins parted ways with Walliams and recently, they confirmed they would stop publishing his back catalogue.

His children’s books have inspired a range of screen adaptations, becoming familiar fixtures of family television schedules, particularly around Christmas.

However, the continued listing of the BBC programmes should not, on its own, be taken as confirmation of the broadcaster’s wider position on Walliams and the corporation has already stated it has no plans to work with him again.

The reports concerning his alleged behaviour and the reported decision involving an upcoming film have also drawn attention to the distinction between allegations, decisions made by individual companies and the availability of previously produced work.

For now, the six listed television adaptations remain accessible through BBC iPlayer, allowing viewers to revisit the programmes while scrutiny of Walliams’ professional future continues.

Walliams has always denied any wrong-doing.

What to read next:

Share this post with someone you think would like it…