The BBC is coming under pressure to remove episodes featuring David Walliams from its Christmas schedule after the children’s author was dropped by publisher HarperCollins
The BBC is under mounting pressure to axe David Walliams from its Christmas schedule.
The Little Britain star, 54, is set to appear in an episode of Would I Lie To You on Boxing Day. It comes after the children’s author was dropped by his publisher HarperCollins over a probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour towards young women.
One unnamed MP questioned the wisdom of continuing to air programmes featuring the star or promoting his work.
He said: “Innocent until proven guilty. But with the BBC’s record for getting it wrong, probably it would be better to be safe than sorry.”
The Christmas edition of Would I Lie To You? had already sparked fury after it emerged Walliams gave two Nazi salutes during the recording.
The BBC was forced to apologise over the incident and delete the scene from the episode.
Other adaptations featuring the actor available on iPlayer include Gangsta Granny, The Midnight Gang, Billionaire Boy, and Grandpa’s Great Escape.
Meanwhile, one of the writer’s most popular children’s books, Fing, is being adapted for the big screen in a production being co-funded by Sky.
Filming is taking place in Brisbane, Australia and Walliams is listed as an executive producer on the flick.
Walliams has strongly denied any wrongdoing and is understood to be taking legal advice.
On Friday, a spokesperson for Walliams 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.”
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.”
They added: “HarperCollins takes employee wellbeing extremely seriously and has processes in place for reporting and investigating concerns.”
