Author says there were 'real concerns' about David Walliams within publishing industry

Combi said she was getting invited to events such as book launches around the time one of her own books was being published, and was also running a scheme to bring "high-profile and inspiring writers and speakers" to talk in schools.

At an event in 2015, Combi said she got speaking to someone "quite senior" in publishing, who warned her about Walliams.

"We were talking about [the scheme] and possible writers who might be good for the project to work well with teenagers," Combi said.

"She gave me some great recommendations and said to me: 'Whatever you do, don't invite David Walliams, and FYI if you are speaking to head teachers or teachers, please inform them that he's not a good booking, not an appropriate booking for a school'."