Fans of popular BBC TV show question celebrity’s appearance on the panel

Would I Lie To You fans complained about David Walliams (Image: BBC)

BBC panel series Would I Lie To You? returned to screens with its Boxing Day special, which saw host Rob Brydon reunite with co-hosts David Mitchell and Lee Mack, as well as celebrity guests. On Mitchell’s team were iconic musician Jools Holland and BBC radio host Swarzy.

Meanwhile, Mack was joined by Call the Midwife actress Helen George and comedian David Walliams. However, as the episode got under way, viewers took to social media to complain about the episode proceeding following the recent allegations against the children’s author, as well as the reports that he made two Nazi salutes while filming the Boxing Day special.

This comes after Walliams was dropped by publisher HarperCollins after allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards young women. While the 54-year-old has denied the allegations, he has also been dropped from the Waterstones Children’s Book Festival next year. Taking to X, one viewer complained: “Oh, I see the BBC are actually airing the Would I Lie To You where the abysmal David Walliams did those salutes.” Another echoed: “Yes, David we pretend you haven’t been cancelled, it’s lucky for you it was recorded in June.”

David Walliams has denied all allegations (Image: BBC)

Another questioned: “Why is this being aired BBC? You’ve got loads of money, you should have re-shot it?”

While a fourth remarked: “Surprised this is airing.” One fumed: “He did a Nazi salute a while ago, and the BBC are ok with that ????”

Addressing the remark that he hates Christmas, another added: “I bet David Walliams hates Christmas even more this year #WILTY”

As one disappointed fan posted: “Thought the continuity announcer would mention that it was filmed before his recent allegations, but nope #WILTY.”

When the episode was filmed in June, it was reported that while Helen was telling a story about her time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, he made the gestures.

The Trixie Aylward star was trying to convince the opposing team that she had sprained her wrist “from waving too much during the Strictly tour,” where she was paired with Aljaz Skorjanec. After demonstrating the wave, she was told that it was “too little” then David joined in before holding his arm in a Nazi salute.

David Walliams has been dropped by publishers HarperCollins (Image: Getty)

One audience member stated: “It was all very weird. There were gasps from the audience and the other panellists all looked very uncomfortable.”

At the time, the show’s production company and the BBC both described the gestures as “completely unacceptable” and said the segment would not be broadcast.

A spokesperson for the BBC told the Daily Express: “The use of such an offensive gesture is completely unacceptable and we apologise to all at the recording for the offence caused.”

As for his allegations of inappropriate behaviour, a spokesman for Walliams denied any wrongdoing and said: “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.”

A spokesman for HarperCollins said: “After careful consideration, and under the leadership of its new CEO, HarperCollins UK has decided not to publish any new titles by David Walliams. The author is aware of this decision.

“HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns. To respect the privacy of individuals, we do not comment on internal matters.”