Comedian David Walliams has disclosed he is actively considering a revival of the controversial sketch show Little Britain on Netflix. This move comes in the wake of a series of professional setbacks, including being dropped by his long-time publisher and facing significant public criticism.
A Series of Professional Setbacks
Walliams, the 54-year-old former Britain's Got Talent judge, has faced a tumultuous period. Last month, publishing giant HarperCollins terminated its relationship with him, announcing it would not publish any new titles. This followed an internal investigation into allegations that Walliams had harassed junior female staff members, claims he strongly denies.
The repercussions extended beyond publishing. Book retailer Waterstones removed him from its Children's Book Festival, and The Children's Trust charity dropped him as an ambassador. Furthermore, the BBC confirmed it has no future projects lined up featuring Walliams, despite airing a festive episode of Would I Lie To You? that included him in December 2023.
The Netflix Proposition and 'Cancel Culture'
Speaking during a Q&A session, Walliams expressed his belief that there is a future for Little Britain, the show he co-wrote and starred in with Matt Lucas between 2003 and 2006. The series was previously removed from BBC streaming services due to scenes featuring blackface and content deemed homophobic, transphobic, and racist, before a partially edited version was reinstated.
When asked about a potential comeback, Walliams pointed to Netflix as a viable platform. He referenced comedians like Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Ricky Gervais, who have found a home on the streaming service. "You sort of can’t get cancelled there," Walliams stated. "Netflix isn’t going to take anything off. I think it’s different to maybe how things used to be."
Ongoing Controversy and Viewer Backlash
The comedian's comments follow fresh controversy surrounding his recent television appearance. The BBC's decision to broadcast the Would I Lie To You? Christmas special, filmed in June, sparked fury among viewers. During filming, Walliams was reported to have made a Nazi salute as part of a joke, an incident for which the BBC later apologised, calling it "completely unacceptable".
Audiences took to social media platform X to criticise the broadcaster's choice. One viewer wrote, "Surprised this is airing," while another commented, "I can't believe they're actually airing the David Walliams episode." Despite the backlash, the BBC stated it would not alter its festive schedule, though it reiterated it has no direct future projects with Walliams.
The broadcaster also aired two past TV adaptations of Walliams' children's books, Mr Stink and The Boy in The Dress, on CBBC, confirming it has no plans to remove his existing content from iPlayer.
Walliams continues to deny all allegations of misconduct. A spokesman for the comedian said he was never informed of the specific claims by HarperCollins or given a chance to respond, and that he is now seeking legal advice. The future of Little Britain now appears to hinge on the perceived creative freedom offered by streaming giants like Netflix.
