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David Walliams Mocks Simon Cowell at Advertising Week Europe
In a playful jab at his former Britain’s Got Talent colleague, comedian David Walliams made light of Simon Cowell’s lack of television judge accolades during an appearance at Advertising Week Europe 2025. Addressing the audience at the London-based industry event, the 53-year-old Little Britain alumnus, alongside comedic partner Matt Lucas, engaged in light-hearted banter, including a pointed remark about Cowell’s award history.
Walliams’ Jibe at Cowell’s Award Record
During a session helmed by Melanie Rockcliffe at 180 Strand, London, Walliams referenced his four consecutive wins at the National Television Awards for Best TV Judge – an honour that has eluded Cowell, 65, throughout his career.
Rockcliffe highlighted Walliams’ judging tenure on Britain’s Got Talent, stating, “David Walliams, you were a judge on Britain’s Got Talent for a decade and won best judge at the National TV Awards four times.” Walliams responded with a quip: “Simon Cowell never won once. And that’s all he does is judging. It was a small part of my career. For him, it was his primary occupation and he still couldn’t secure the award.” When Rockcliffe inquired about Cowell’s reaction, asking, “He wasn’t pleased with you, was he?”, Walliams confirmed “no,” but added that Britain’s Got Talent “was an enjoyable show to be part of.”
Ongoing Feud Between Walliams and Cowell
This humorous jab follows reports indicating a significant deterioration in the relationship between Walliams and Cowell. Recent disclosures suggest that the two personalities “are no longer communicating” as their dispute intensifies. Sources close to both individuals suggest Cowell has actively distanced himself from Walliams.
Walliams’ Exit from Britain’s Got Talent
Prior to his controversial departure from the ITV program in December 2022, Walliams served as a judge on BGT for over ten years, sharing the panel with Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon.
His exit was precipitated by the exposure of “disrespectful remarks” he had made about participants during production breaks on Britain’s Got Talent. The talent show judge issued an apology after reports surfaced of him making disparaging and sexually suggestive comments about auditionees at the London Palladium in January 2020.
Apology for “Disrespectful Comments”
In a public statement addressing the controversy, Walliams stated: “I would like to extend my apologies to those individuals I made disrespectful remarks about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020. These were private exchanges and – like many informal conversations – were never intended for public dissemination. Nonetheless, I sincerely regret my words.”
ITV’s Response
ITV released a statement regarding the matter, affirming: “We do not condone the language detailed in these allegations, and we have engaged with the producers of Britain’s Got Talent. The welfare of all individuals involved in our programs is of utmost importance, and we maintain comprehensive protocols and guidelines for all our production partners.”