Just when it seemed like David Walliams was easing back into the public eye, another controversy has put him squarely in the spotlight.
During the taping of this year’s Would I Lie To You? Christmas special, Walliams reportedly made not one, but two Nazi salutes, leaving the studio audience and his fellow panellists stunned.
The incident took place at Pinewood Studios, where the hit BBC panel show is regularly filmed.
And while the episode was meant to bring some festive fun, things quickly took an uncomfortable turn.
It Started as a Joke, But Went Way Too Far
Walliams, who was teamed up with Call the Midwife actress Helen George, made the first salute while she was sharing a story from her time on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2015.
George was trying to convince the opposing team—led by David Mitchell—that she had sprained her wrist from too much enthusiastic waving during the Strictly tour.
To demonstrate, George did a mock wave.
Apparently, Walliams decided to join in, and in doing so, raised his arm in what appeared to be a Nazi salute—something that instantly changed the mood in the room.
Rob Brydon Steps In—and Then It Happens Again
Host Rob Brydon didn’t let the moment slide.
He reportedly called out Walliams and reminded him that the show airs before the watershed, meaning it’s expected to be family-friendly.
But instead of pulling back, Walliams went a step further.
As George continued her story, Walliams made the gesture again—this time with a sexual twist.
Lee Mack, captain of Walliams’ team, was said to be visibly unimpressed.
Audience members described the moment as “awkward,” with gasps heard around the studio and panellists appearing uncomfortable.
Audience Reactions: “Very Weird” and Totally Unexpected
One attendee summed it up by saying, “It was all very weird.”
Another person who had been in the studio even posted on X (formerly Twitter), joking: “I didn’t have David Walliams doing a Nazi salute at the Would I Lie To You? Christmas taping on my 2025 bingo card.”
Despite the moment being filmed, sources at both the BBC and Zeppotron, the company that produces the show, have confirmed that the footage will never be aired.
The incident was reportedly acknowledged immediately during filming, and it was decided on the spot that it would be cut.
A Pattern of Trouble: Walliams’ Past Controversies
This isn’t the first time Walliams has found himself under scrutiny.
He hasn’t appeared on television since 2022 after a previous scandal erupted when he was caught on a hot mic calling an elderly Britain’s Got Talent contestant a “c***” during a filming break back in 2020.
While he did apologise for that outburst, he also took legal action against the show’s production company, Fremantle, accusing them of misusing private information and breaching data laws.
The case was ultimately settled, and Walliams is believed to have walked away with around £5 million.
A Comeback—Or Another Misstep?
Earlier this year, Walliams made headlines when he teamed up with his Little Britain co-creator Matt Lucas to launch a new podcast—their first collaboration since 2010’s Come Fly With Me.
In a tongue-in-cheek moment during the first episode, Lucas joked, “I thought you were cancelled… you’ve been cancelled twice.”
Walliams responded, “If you’re cancelled twice then that means you’re uncancelled, so I’m fine.”
That comeback now seems a bit more complicated.
Production and BBC Response: No Excuses
In the wake of the incident, Banijay UK, the parent company of Zeppotron, issued a firm statement condemning the gesture:
“Any attempt at humour regarding this deeply offensive gesture, whether broadcast or not, is completely unacceptable in any context.”
They added that the decision to cut the footage was made immediately and apologised to those who witnessed the moment in person.
The BBC echoed the same sentiment, saying, “The use of such an offensive gesture is completely unacceptable and we apologise to all at the recording for the offence caused.”
As of now, Walliams’ representatives have not commented publicly.
What’s Next for David Walliams?
With his TV return already under intense scrutiny, this latest incident could complicate any plans Walliams had for a comeback.
Whether it leads to further consequences or simply becomes another headline in a string of controversies remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: in today’s climate, what might have once passed as edgy humour is now—rightfully—called out for what it is.
And for Walliams, that means walking an increasingly fine line between comedy and controversy.