The BBC is facing calls to remove David Walliams from its upcoming Christmas special of Would I Lie to You? following allegations of inappropriate behaviour. The comedian and author, 54, was dropped by publisher HarperCollins this week after a junior colleague reportedly complained about his conduct. Former employees alleged to The Telegraph that they were advised to work in pairs when meeting with him and not to visit his home.
A BBC spokesperson told The Independent: “While we’re not making any changes to the festive schedules, we have no future projects directly involving David Walliams.” The episode is set to air on BBC One on Boxing Day, featuring Walliams alongside David Mitchell, Lee Mack, Jools Holland, Swarzy Shire, and Helen George.
An unnamed MP questioned the wisdom of airing the programme, stating: “Innocent until proven guilty. But with the BBC’s record for getting it wrong, it probably would be better being safe than sorry.” Walliams’s spokesperson said he “strongly denies” any claims and was not informed about or party to an investigation by HarperCollins.
This is not the first controversy involving Walliams. In 2022, he left Britain’s Got Talent after making obscene comments about contestants. Earlier this year, he gave two Nazi salutes during the recording of the same Christmas special, which the BBC apologised for and edited out. Separately, CBBC is airing an adaptation of his book The Boy in the Dress on 21 December.
