David Walliams dropped by book publisher

Getty Images

Best-selling children's author and comedian David Walliams has been dropped by his publisher HarperCollins, the company has said.

A spokesman for the publisher said: "After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams."

The Telegraph reported that the decision was made after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women.

HarperCollins did not confirm the reasons for its decision, adding: "We do not comment on internal matters." Walliams has not yet responded to the decision or the Telegraph report.

Walliams is one of the UK's most successful children's authors, having sold more than 60 million copies worldwide in 55 languages.

Some of his books, including Gangsta Granny and Billionaire Boy, have also been adapted into television films.

He rose to fame on TV sketch series Little Britain and has also won National Television Awards for his work as a judge on Britain's Got Talent.

He was made an OBE in 2017 his services to charity and the arts.