BBC Pulls David Walliams Shows, Including 'Little Britain,' From iPlayer

The BBC has begun removing David Walliams shows, including 'Little Britain,' from its streaming platform after the Guardian published allegations on Tuesday that the comedian groomed fans as young as 15 and harassed women at work over a number of years. Walliams denies the allegations.

The claims came out of a joint investigation by the Guardian and ITN. The newspaper alleged Walliams was 'predatory' and 'pushy,' repeatedly contacting young women through social media or modelling agencies and inviting them to his home or his dressing room at 'Britain's Got Talent.' One woman who became friendly with the comedian after he contacted her said he would 'constantly pester her for sex.'

The BBC did not wait for the review to finish before acting.

A 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.'

The spokesperson added: 'We are in the process of removing some programs, including "Little Britain," whilst this review is underway.'

What does the removal actually cover?

The sweep targets material Walliams starred in or wrote. 'Little Britain,' the sketch show he created with Matt Lucas, is the highest-profile casualty. The BBC has not listed the full set of programs coming down. The review covers everything featuring him or written by him on BBC platforms — a catalogue that spans one of the most bankable comedy careers in British television.

This is not the first professional consequence for Walliams.

He judged 'Britain's Got Talent' for 10 seasons. His offer to appear in the 2023 season of the ITV show was withdrawn after the Guardian alleged he made sexually explicit remarks about two performers.

What has Fremantle UK said?

Fremantle UK, the production company behind 'Britain's Got Talent,' said on Tuesday it was 'disturbed and concerned' by the latest allegations of misconduct.

A spokesperson said: 'During his time on the show and in the intervening period, no complaint was ever made regarding his behavior to Fremantle UK.'

The company added: 'If anyone feels they have been the subject of any impropriety or wrongdoing by anyone on any Fremantle or associated labels' productions, we encourage them to come forward.'

Fremantle UK also said: 'We will treat any complaints seriously. Protecting the welfare of our employees, freelancers, contributors and fans has always been and absolutely remains paramount for the company.'

Why the silence at the BBC matters

The BBC's move is procedural, not a verdict. But pulling a back-catalogue hit like 'Little Britain' — a show that has run in reruns for two decades — signals how quickly platforms now respond to reputational risk. Walliams denies everything. The review, and presumably the catalogue decisions that follow, will show whether the broadcaster treats the removal as temporary hygiene or a permanent shelf-clearing.

By Daniel Okafor