David Walliams transforms into boyband One Direction in a photo shoot for this week’s heat magazine.

The comedian said: “I’ve only met Niall from One Direction . I went to see The X Factor last year and Niall came up to me and told me that he’d been to see Matt and me in Little Britain Live when we went on tour. I was sitting there in the audience and they were on stage at the end of the show and I saw him pointing me out to the rest of the band, so I gave him a wave. Then I waited until I got all the boys’ attention and did this [does a “wanker” sign with hand]. They loved it!”

Asked about the secret of their success, David said: “It’s all about hair. The girls love floppy hair. If only I’d known that when I was 16. They’re great and seem really fun and likeable.”

As a massive X Factor fan, Walliams reveals he’s watching this year’s series ‘religiously’. He says: “ I’m a big fan of Gary Barlow. I think he’s amazing on it. I did wonder whether the show would work without Simon Cowell, because he’s the one whose opinion we all trusted. He’s generally right. But Gary is so assured and so knowledgeable about the business that he’s perfect. He also looks so good. I want his stylist and nutritionist. “

Asked about his favourite contestant, Walliams revealed: “Johnny. He’s genuinely loveable and funny. He reminds me of Charles Hawtrey from the Carry On films. He’s so sweet and his story is so moving. Coming from that bedsit to this. He’s going to be doing personal appearances in regional gay clubs for the rest of his life. As will I!”

Commenting on speculation that he will become a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, David said: “Well, they haven’t asked me. I’d think about it. But the chemistry with the other judges would have to be right. Ant and Dec are the stars of that show for me. I’d love to work with them again – I wrote for them years ago and they’re such a laugh.”

The full interview appears in this week’s heat magazine, on sale now (Tuesday).