Matt Lucas is widely recognised for his work with David Walliams on sketch shows including Little Britain (Image: BBC)
The BBC has confirmed that it is removing several programmes featuring David Walliams from its streaming service. The move follows allegations that the comedian and author used his celebrity status to target vulnerable teenagers and young women.
The corporation said it was “carefully reviewing” content involving Walliams in response to what it described as “serious allegations”.
A three-year investigation alleges that Walliams exploited his influence and position in British entertainment for sexual purposes, including in incidents involving minors as young as 15. Several women have since made new allegations, including one who said he began messaging her when she was 15 after they met at a Little Britain fan event.
The BBC has now confirmed that programmes written by or starring Walliams have been taken off its platforms.
After the allegations were published, a BBC spokesperson said: “These are serious allegations. As such, the BBC is looking carefully at all material featuring and written by David Walliams on our platforms. We are in the process of removing some programmes, including Little Britain, whilst this review is under way.”
David Walliams (Image: Getty)
Little Britain and Come Fly With Me are no longer available on BBC iPlayer. Episodes of The Wheel and Would I Lie To You? featuring Walliams have also been removed, along with a 2011 Doctor Who episode in which he appeared.
MORE ON THIS: Potential Threat: Iran's Capability to Use EMPs and Possession of Dirty Bombs – NewsFinale
Responding to the investigation, Walliams said: “Looking back, I realise that at times I behaved thoughtlessly towards other people I had casual sexual relationships with… I realise I did not always take people’s feelings properly into account. That is something I regret.
“And whilst a power imbalance is inevitable when one party is famous, abusing that power is something else entirely and it is something that I never did… I am not a sexual predator… I have not broken the law… I am devastated that some of the women I met ten to twenty years ago have now expressed hurt or anger towards me.”
The Metropolitan Police said it had contacted the Guardian and ITV News to ensure that “any potential victims” were informed about how to report possible criminal allegations involving Walliams.
A Met spokesperson said: “We’re aware of reports in the media in relation to allegations involving a man in his 50s. The Met has not received any related reports of sexual assault or any other offences. Should we receive any reports, they will be carefully assessed.
“Anyone who contacts the police will be supported by specialist officers. Last week, we contacted the media organisations that were involved in civil proceedings relating to the protection of the identity of that individual, to ensure that any potential victims who they have spoken to could be made aware of how they could report any criminal allegations to police. Reports can be made by calling 101, providing the reference 4900/10NOV26.”
In addition to his time as a Britain’s Got Talent judge, Walliams has sold more than 60 million children’s books worldwide. His best-known titles include The Boy In The Dress, Fing and Gangsta Granny. The latter was adapted into a one-hour BBC special in 2013, followed by a sequel starring Sheridan Smith in 2022.
Walliams left Britain’s Got Talent in 2022 after apologising for “disrespectful comments” about contestants made during filming breaks in January 2020. The following year, Britain’s Got Talent producer Fremantle apologised and reached an “amicable resolution” with Walliams after the remarks made during the programme became public.