The BBC is proceeding with plans to air three television programmes featuring David Walliams over the festive period, despite the comedian and author being dropped by his publisher, HarperCollins, following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Publisher Severs Ties Amid Allegations
This weekend, it was revealed that HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The publisher, under its new CEO, stated the decision came "after careful consideration." The move is reportedly linked to claims regarding the 54-year-old former Britain's Got Talent judge's conduct towards young women, allegations which he strongly denies.
A spokesperson for Walliams responded, stating: "David has never been informed of any allegations raised against him by HarperCollins. He was not party to any investigation or given any opportunity to answer questions. David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice."
Controversial Episode Still Set for Broadcast
Adding to the controversy, one of the scheduled BBC programmes is a Christmas special of the panel show Would I Lie To You? which reportedly features Walliams making a Nazi salute during filming. The incident allegedly occurred in June while recording the episode set to air on BBC One at 7pm on Boxing Day.
At the time, the BBC and the production company apologised, calling the use of the gesture "completely unacceptable" and confirming the segment would not be broadcast. However, the episode itself, featuring Walliams alongside Lee Mack and Helen George, remains in the schedules.
According to reports, Walliams made the salute after his teammate, Helen George, described spraining her wrist from "waving too much" on the Strictly Come Dancing tour. After comments that her wave was "too little," Walliams is said to have joined in with an exaggerated wave that culminated in the offensive gesture. Host Rob Brydon reportedly admonished him, after which Walliams performed another salute with a sexual connotation.
BBC's Festive Schedule and Future Projects
In addition to the Would I Lie To You? special, two television adaptations of Walliams' children's books are scheduled on CBBC. The Boy In The Dress will air at 5.55pm and Mr Stink at 9am on Sunday, 21 December.
A BBC spokesperson addressed the scheduling, saying: "While we’re not making any changes to the festive schedules, we have no future projects directly involving David Walliams." This indicates a clear separation between honouring existing broadcast commitments and engaging in new work with the performer.
The decision to continue airing the programmes places the broadcaster in the spotlight, balancing pre-planned Christmas content against the backdrop of serious personal and professional allegations facing one of its featured stars.
