David Walliams gives pupils ‘best school day ever’

David Walliams visits Castle View Primary School. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

But the arrival of David Walliams in a helicopter on the school field at Castleview Primary sparked even more excitement among star-struck pupils

The children, who have read his books and watched his antics on Britain’s Got Talent, described his visit yesterday as the “best day of school ever”.

The Mr Stink author appeared to have forgotten his recent heartache as he touched down to celebrate World Book Day as part of his Walliams Whirlwind helicopter tour.

David Walliams is given an enthusiastic send-off as his helicopter made good use of the playing field. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

The Little Britain star, who reportedly split from his wife Lara Stone earlier this week, waved and high-fived cheering children as he arrived for his last stop in a tour of six schools around the country.

The beaming funnyman was swamped by young fans bearing Saltires, and strode into the school to The Proclaimers’ hit I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).

Headteacher Lindsey Watt said: “He gave the kids a wave and then started high-fiving them. I gave him a Headteachers’ Award which is very special because if you get eight, you get to go on a trip and he was very excited about that.”

The comedian was introduced to 11-year-old Aiden McCardle who had been chosen by his classmates to ask the questions such as ‘Why did you decide to travel in a helicopter?’ and ‘What do you like best, writing books or annoying Simon Cowell?’.

Pupils were shown clips of films adapted from his books including Gangsta Granny, Mr Stink and The Boy In The Dress.

Miss Watt added: “The children are well aware of these books and we use them in school. Then he read an excerpt from his book Demon Dentist. You could have heard a pin drop. It was amazing.”

The star was presented with two souvenir tea towels and was said to be “thrilled” as children sang for him. Primary five pupils escorted him back to the helicopter and the comic waved as he left. They said it was the best day of school ever, according to teachers.

Walliams seemed equally touched by his visit, tweeting: “What a fantastic end to the day! #WalliamsWhirlwind.”

Teacher Jenny Burnett decided to enter the school in the Walliams Whirlwind competition after hearing about it on The One Show.

Parents, though, had to watch from the gates as the school went into lockdown ahead of the star’s arrival.

Among them was Lyndsay McNeil, 27, who said her nine-year-old son Kyle had been too excited to sleep.

She said: “I asked if I could come and meet David Walliams. He said ‘No, you cannae’.

“I said ‘Well tell him your mum wants his phone number’.”