BBC viewers have called out the broadcaster for proceeding with its Boxing Day broadcast of Would I Lie To You? featuring David Walliams, despite mounting allegations against the comedian.
The festive special aired at 7pm on BBC One, placing it firmly within prime family viewing hours during the Christmas period.
The corporation had confirmed in advance it would not pull the episode from its schedule, although it stated there would be no future projects directly involving the 54-year-old.
The show was recorded at Pinewood Studios over the summer, months before the allegations became public knowledge.
The BBC had confirmed in advance that it would not pull the episode from its schedule
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BBC
During the broadcast, Mr Walliams appeared alongside team captain Lee Mack, with Call the Midwife actress Helen George also featuring on the panel.
The former Little Britain star was dropped by HarperCollins on December 19, 2025, following accusations he harassed junior female members of staff at the publishing house.
Sources say an investigation began in 2023 after a junior colleague raised concerns about his behaviour, leading to interviews with other employees.
One woman who came forward with complaints allegedly received a five-figure settlement and subsequently departed from the company.
A year-long investigation uncovered allegations that Mr Walliams had harassed junior female staff at the publishing house
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GETTYThe publishing giant confirmed its decision to sever ties with one of Britain’s most successful children’s authors, stating it had acted “after careful consideration”.
HarperCollins emphasised it takes employee wellbeing “extremely seriously” and maintains processes for reporting and investigating concerns, though it declined to comment on internal matters to protect individual privacy.
Viewers expressed their displeasure on social media as the episode of Would I Lie To You? went to air, with many questioning the broadcaster’s judgment.
One person posting on X wrote: “Surprised this is airing #wouldilietoyou.”
The BBC stated there would be no future projects directly involving the 54-year-old
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ITV
Another viewer commented: “With David’s recent book deal being scrapped, and #BBC’s no longer working with David. I wonder if this is the final BBC show to feature David Walliams?”
Others pointed out “the irony of David Williams being on a program called #WouldILietoYou #BBC”.
The backlash intensified given the timing of the broadcast, with Boxing Day programming traditionally held to higher standards due to its family-oriented audience.
Critics argued airing the episode during such a prominent festive slot amplified concerns about the BBC’s editorial decision-making.
The episode had already courted controversy before the allegations emerged, following reports of an incident during the June recording.
Audience members present at Pinewood Studios reported Mr Walliams performed a Nazi salute on two occasions as part of a joke during filming.
The gestures reportedly occurred while Ms George was recounting a story about injuring her wrist through excessive waving.
Fellow panellists were reportedly visibly shocked by the comedian’s actions, with host Rob Brydon said to have reminded him the programme would air before the 9pm watershed.
The episode had already courted controversy before the allegations emerged
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ITV
The BBC subsequently apologised for the incident, describing it as “completely unacceptable”.
The offending moments were edited out of the final broadcast, although observers noted the episode retained an uncomfortable atmosphere throughout.
Mr Walliams has firmly rejected all accusations of wrongdoing levelled against him.
A representative for the comedian stated: “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.”
The spokesman added: “David strongly denies that he has behaved inappropriately and is taking legal advice.”
Beyond losing his publishing deal, the fallout has seen Mr Walliams removed as an ambassador for The Children’s Trust charity.
He has also been dropped from the Waterstones Children’s Book Festival lineup for next year.
