Staffordshire's Alton Towers closes World of David Walliams

The World of David Walliams attraction at Alton Towers has permanently closed, the theme park has announced.

The park's creative team worked with Walliams and HarperCollins Children's Books over a number of years to develop the section of the resort, which opened in 2021.

"As we are no longer in the main season, guests are encouraged to check the Alton Towers Resort website and app for the latest attraction opening information ahead of their visit," the park said in a statement on its website.

Alton Towers says the closure comes as it regularly looks at "elements of our attraction offering".

It is understood the decision was made taking into account a range of operational and guest experience considerations.

Plans for future use of the area will be announced once they have been confirmed.

Among the rides in the Walliams-themed area of the park were Gangsta Granny: The Ride, a 360° special effects attraction, as well as Raj's Bouncy Bottom Burp, Royal Carousel and Flavio's Fabulous Fandango.

Walliams rose to fame in comedy sketch show Little Britain in the early 2000s alongside co-star Matt Lucas.

HarperCollins published his first children's book, The Boy in the Dress, in 2008.

He has since become 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 TV films.

He has published more than 40 books in total.

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