David Walliams settles Britain’s Got Talent lawsuit after exit from the show

David Walliams has settled legal action against Britain’s Got Talent’s production company.

It follows his exit from the talent show earlier this year after more than a decade.

The legal action was the result of leaked comments made by David about contestants during filming of Britain’s Got Talent auditions.

He sued production company Fremantle for misuse of private information and breaching data laws.

BGT producers issue statement

In a statement, Fremantle said today (via BBC News): “We are pleased that we have achieved an amicable resolution of this dispute with David.

“We are sincerely sorry that his private conversations when a judge on Britain’s Got Talent were published, and the great distress this caused David.

“We have reviewed our production practices on the show to ensure they fully respect the expectations of our talent whilst satisfying the requirements of the show.”

They added: “We have enjoyed a great relationship with David over many years.

“We thank David for being an important part of the Britain’s Got Talent family and the enduring success of the show and hope to have opportunities to work with him in the future.”

‘Leaked conversations’

The Guardian originally reported on the leaked conversations shortly before David stepped down from the show.

David said at the time: “I would like to apologise to the people I made disrespectful comments about during breaks in filming for Britain’s Got Talent in 2020.

“These were private conversations and – like most conversations with friends – were never intended to be shared. Nevertheless, I am sorry.”

David originally joined the Britain’s Got Talent panel in 2012 alongside Alesha Dixon with the pair joining original judges Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell.

A source said earlier this year of David’s departure that “it just feels like time to move on.”

They added: “David has decided to bow out after a ten-year run. He wants to leave on a high after a wonderful time.”

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli was announced as his replacement, making his first appearance behind the buzzers in April.

He said at the start of filming: “I am thrilled to be here, what an honour it is to work with [Simon] finally. He’s teased me with this for years and I’m thrilled to be here, I’m emotional and very nervous.”

Hosted by Ant & Dec, Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV1 with the hit talent competition having broadcast since 2007.