The BBC is facing mounting pressure to axe a forthcoming Christmas special of the popular panel show Would I Lie to You? from its festive schedules. The controversy centres on guest panellist David Walliams, who is at the centre of fresh allegations of inappropriate behaviour.
Publisher severs ties amid misconduct claims
The 54-year-old comedian and children's author was dropped by his publisher, HarperCollins, earlier this week. The decision followed accusations that he behaved inappropriately towards young women. Reports suggest a junior colleague made a complaint about his conduct, prompting the publisher to interview other staff members.
Former employees have alleged to The Telegraph that they were advised to work in pairs when meeting with Walliams and were told not to visit his home. A spokesperson for Walliams has stated he "strongly denies" all claims and was not informed about, nor involved in, any investigation conducted by HarperCollins.
Festive broadcast and political pressure
Despite the furore, Walliams is currently scheduled to appear in a festive episode of Would I Lie to You? set to air on BBC One on Boxing Day. He will join team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack, alongside fellow panellists Jools Holland, Swarzy Shire, and Helen George.
The wisdom of broadcasting the show has been questioned in political circles. One unnamed MP told The Telegraph, "Innocent until proven guilty. But with the BBC’s record for getting it wrong, it probably would be better being safe than sorry."
When approached for comment, 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."
A history of controversial incidents
This is not the first controversy to surround Walliams's appearance in the Christmas special. It previously emerged that he gave two Nazi salutes during the recording, an act which reportedly shocked host Rob Brydon, fellow panellists, and the studio audience. The BBC apologised and edited the scene from the final episode.
Walliams's career has been marked by several other incidents:
- In 2022, he faced severe criticism after a leaked transcript from Britain's Got Talent revealed he made obscene and disrespectful comments about auditioning contestants. He subsequently left the show, apologised, and sued the production company, FremantleMedia, for leaking his private remarks. The matter was settled in November 2023.
- His earlier hit show, Little Britain, co-created with Matt Lucas, has been heavily criticised in recent years for its use of blackface and content deemed sexist, classist, and homophobic.
Beyond television, Walliams is one of the UK's most successful children's authors, having sold an estimated 60 million books worldwide. His works are widely used in schools. Adaptations of his books continue; an adaptation of 'The Boy in the Dress' aired on CBBC on 21 December 2025, and 'Fing' is being adapted for film in a production co-funded by Sky, with Walliams serving as an executive producer.
The Independent has contacted Sky for comment regarding the future of this project in light of the recent allegations.
