He’s the controversial comedian who found national treasure status as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent. But last week, David Walliams’ reputation was torn apart when he was accused of making crude remarks about contestants on the ITV talent show.
The star, 51, was forced to apologise after leaked voice notes heard him call one hopeful a “c***” three times after they made a jibe about him during their act. But while many are calling for his suspension from the show, one person is rooting for him – actress Sheridan Smith, 41. The pair are so close that last month, David revealed they have a pact to get married... if they are both single at 90!
An insider tells Closer, “Sheridan has struggled watching David go through all of this. It has really triggered her as David has always been the strong one in their friendship, supporting her through so many dark times with her drinking and her mental health issues in the past, and now it’s her turn to do the same for him. Of course Sheridan is sticking by his side, but she’s understandably not keen on getting dragged into it all publicly.”
The friends are set to star as husband and wife in a new adaptation of David’s children’s book Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!. But after the recent uproar, it’s uncertain as to whether the BBC will definitely air the project.
The source continues, “For Sheridan, the show was part of her plan to regain her confidence by having David by her side, but it’s all turned into a bit of a nightmare for them both. She feels torn because she is a loyal person and feels the need to stick up for her mate, while at the same time she can’t handle that kind of scrutiny right now.”
The insider adds, “For now, pals have urged her to support David privately but not to get too involved. They want her to put her mental health and overall wellbeing first before anything else. Sheridan is hoping it all blows over because she feels as though David is only human and we all say things that we regret. She has vowed to support him because she knows he would do – and has done – the same for her when she’s been in the firing line.”
