BBC fury as axed David Walliams ‘Nazi salute’ episode | UK News

The BBC is going through recent backlash after claims that a Christmas particular episode of Would I Lie To You? that includes David Walliams is still scheduled to air on Boxing Day, despite the broadcaster beforehand branding his behaviour during the recording “completely unacceptable”. Confusion erupted online after viewers noticed the episode listed in the BBC One schedule for December 26 at 7pm, prompting outrage from those who believed the show had been axed fully following the controversy.

One individual wrote on X: “By the way, the episode of Would I Lie To You? featuring the episode where David Walliams reportedly did two Nazi salutes (which the BBC edited out and said were unacceptable) will be on BBC One on Boxing Day at 7pm.” Others have been skeptical the BBC would enable it to air, with one posting: “There is no way that the BBC will broadcast this. They will show an old episode for sure.” A 3rd recommended drastic motion, writing: “Sounds the BBC need to copy what Ridley Scott did with Spacey and have Walliams digitally replaced with Bob Mortimer.”

Another merely added: “Should be cancelled”.

The row follows affirmation earlier this week that Walliams made two Nazi salutes during the recording of the BBC One comedy panel show’s Christmas particular.

The incident occurred during a phase in which a fellow panellist was recounting a story about injuring their wrist while waving.

Walliams reportedly escalated the second by becoming a member of in with more and more vigorous waves, which culminated in him holding out his arm in a Nazi salute.

Both the BBC and the programme’s manufacturing company later confirmed the gestures have been “completely unacceptable” and said the phase wouldn’t be broadcast.

The episode was recorded at Pinewood Studios on Tuesday, with Walliams showing as a panellist alongside others for the festive particular.

Journalist Sebastian Topan, who was in the viewers, contacted the BBC to describe what he witnessed.

One half of the show noticed Call The Midwife actress Helen George being given a immediate suggesting she had sprained her wrist “from waving too much during the Strictly tour”.

After demonstrating the wave, she was reportedly inspired to make the gesture larger.

Topan told the BBC: “Some other panellist was talking when David Walliams started doing the Nazi salute. I was shocked at what I had seen.”

He also described the environment in the studio, saying there have been “patches of quietened gasps and awkward half-laughs and broken clapping”.

Host Rob Brydon then intervened, mentioning the show could be broadcast before the 9pm watershed, successfully flagging the behaviour as inappropriate for a household viewers.

However, as the dialogue continued, Walliams allegedly repeated the gesture, this time including a inappropriate movement with his other hand. Topan said: “The atmosphere was uncomfortable and weird.

“I think Rob Brydon wanted to get past it as quickly as he could. David Walliams’ team-mates looked unsure what to do and were not laughing… It was like an elephant in the room after that.”

Another viewers member later posted on X: “I didn’t have David Walliams doing a Nazi salute at the Would I Lie To You? Christmas taping on my 2025 bingo card.”