The BBC is facing renewed criticism following the airing of a Boxing Day episode of the comedy panel show, *Would I Lie To You?*, featuring comedian David Walliams. This broadcast comes amid serious allegations of inappropriate behaviour against the 54-year-old star, who has been accused of harassing junior female staff members.
The episode was aired on December 26, 2025, at 19:00 GMT, despite the controversy surrounding Walliams. He has since been dropped by publisher HarperCollins and removed from his role as an ambassador for The Children’s Trust. Additionally, he has been excluded from the lineup of the Waterstones Children’s Book Festival. Walliams has publicly denied the allegations.
Filmed in the summer, the episode features Walliams alongside actress Helen George, BBC radio DJ Swarzy Shire, and musician Jools Holland, with team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack and host Rob Brydon. Last week, the BBC confirmed that it would not remove the episode from its schedule but stated it has “no future projects directly involving David Walliams.”
Controversial Moments and Audience Reaction
During the filming of the episode in June, Walliams sparked controversy when audience members reported he made a Nazi salute as part of a joke. This incident occurred while George was recounting a story about injuring her wrist, prompting the BBC to issue an apology, calling the act “completely unacceptable.” Fellow panellists reportedly expressed shock at Walliams’ behaviour during the taping at Pinewood Studios.
The decision to air the episode has drawn mixed reactions from viewers and critics, highlighting the ongoing debate over how media organizations handle allegations against prominent figures. The BBC’s commitment to maintaining the episode in its schedule raises questions about accountability and the implications of continuing to feature individuals facing serious allegations.
As the public response unfolds, the BBC’s actions could have lasting repercussions for its programming choices and its relationship with audiences. The broadcaster continues to navigate the complexities of broadcasting decisions in light of evolving societal standards regarding behaviour and representation in entertainment.
