David Walliams speaks out for first time on rumoured romance with world-famous soap star

David Walliams has opened up about his love life and confessed he was once left heartbroken

David Walliams has revealed he harboured a soft spot for former Neighbours star Natalie Imbruglia, only to be disappointed when the feeling wasn't mutual. The former Britain's Got Talent judge admitted that he had fallen "like a ton of bricks" for the 'Torn' singer.

But alas, she put him squarely in the friend zone. Known for their long-standing friendship, the duo was often seen together around London in 2015, fuelling speculation of a romance.

This came shortly after David's split from his wife Lara Stone. Now at 53, David confesses his unrequited affection for 49 year old Natalie, lamenting that she didn't reciprocate.

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In his words: "She's very much friend-zoned me. You know when that happens, that you have a huge crush on someone and you sort of imagine being married and what your kids look like and all that sort of thing? And you're just completely friend-zoned."

Despite developing strong feelings, David revealed that Natalie, known for her role as Beth Brennan in Neighbours during the 90s, viewed him more akin to a "gay best friend" due to his flamboyant personality and humour, reports the Mirror.

He continued by saying: "We didn't go on any dates. We just became very good friends and we hung out together. But you know, it's hard not to kind of fall for her like a ton of bricks because she is amazing. I think I'm seen as the sort of gay best friend by a lot of people."

During his chat on the Australian radio show Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Nova 96.9, he quipped about being placed in the friend zone by Natalie: "Well, look at me. Let's be honest, you can do a lot better."

David has been linked to various high-profile women over the years, including Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, 52, model Abi Titmuss, 48, reality star Ashley James from Made in Chelsea, 37, and 41 year old Norwegian model Sylvia Flote.

He was left heartbroken by a mysterious Miss X, eventually identified as 52 year old TV host Lisa Snowdon. In 2010, David tied the knot with Dutch model Lara, who's currently 40, but the couple parted ways after five years. They share their 11 year old son Alfred.

Hes returned to working with Matt Lucas, his fellow Little Britain comedian who is 50, on fresh TV ventures. Last year saw the end of his stint as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, following an apology for making "disrespectful comments" towards participants in between filming.