David Walliams made waves during his recent appearance on The One Show,
leaving host Alex Jones visibly taken aback after making a cheeky remark about Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The comedian, best known for Little Britain and Britain’s Got Talent, was joined by longtime collaborator Matt Lucas and actress Lindsey Coulson for the BBC program.
However, it was Walliams’ unexpected quip that quickly became the highlight of the evening.
David Walliams’ Surprise Comment on Keir Starmer
The segment in question took place during a discussion about school days, prompted by Lindsey Coulson’s involvement in the school-based drama Waterloo Road.
As the conversation unfolded, Walliams decided to interject with a humorous—but entirely fictional—anecdote about his supposed time at school with Keir Starmer.
“I was at school with Keir Starmer,” Walliams began, pausing for dramatic effect. “And he gave me a detention. It was Christmas time, and it was really cold… and he turned off the heating!”
His comment was met with laughter from those in the studio, though host Alex Jones appeared momentarily stunned by the remark. She turned toward her co-host, Clara Amfo, as the moment played out live on air.
Seemingly aware of the reaction he had caused, Walliams quickly clarified that, while he and Starmer had indeed attended the same school, they had never actually met.
Audience Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Viewers of the show quickly took to social media to share their thoughts on the unexpected moment. Many found the joke hilarious, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) commenting, “Loved David’s dig at Keir Starmer. He’s clearly far too outspoken for the BBC. He’s probably next to be cancelled. #TheOneShow.”
Another user wrote, “David Walliams said he went to school with Keir Starmer and got a detention where they turned the heating off—HA HA HA HA! #TheOneShow.”
Some viewers also noted how the show’s presenters seemed unsure how to react. One post humorously pointed out, “Watching the presenters on #TheOneShow totally not getting the joke about Keir Starmer and the heating. Not sure which was funnier—the joke or their reaction.”
Others joked that BBC producers were scrambling behind the scenes, with one tweet reading, “#TheOneShow producer panicking to think of a way to balance out Walliams’s Keir Starmer heating joke before the end of the show.”
The Context Behind the Joke
Walliams’ remark appeared to be a subtle nod to the controversy surrounding government cuts to the winter fuel allowance. The allowance, introduced by Tony Blair’s government in 1997, was significantly reduced in 2024, with new eligibility requirements leaving around 10 million pensioners without additional financial assistance for heating. The move sparked widespread criticism, as many elderly citizens struggled with the cost of staying warm during the winter months.
While Walliams’ joke was clearly meant in jest, it inadvertently touched on a serious issue that has impacted millions across the UK.
More Chaos on The One Show
Walliams’ moment of mischief wasn’t the only controversy during the episode. Earlier in the week, The One Show had been heavily criticized by football fans for delaying the live FA Cup fifth-round draw.
Viewers expecting the draw to take place immediately were left frustrated as the program instead launched into interviews with guests Sara Cox, Clare Hamilton, and Billy Bailey.
Angry football fans voiced their frustration on social media. One user wrote, “Jesus Christ, just do the draw!!” while another added, “Can’t believe the absolute nonsense I’m sitting through just to see the #FACup draw on #TheOneShow.”
Another viewer complained, “Why didn’t they just do the draw first? Seems bizarre to put it 10 minutes into a show that has no relevance to the cup whatsoever.”
After much impatience from the audience, the FA Cup draw eventually took place halfway through the episode, but the backlash highlighted ongoing frustrations with The One Show’s handling of live sports events.
Walliams’ Legacy of Live TV Antics
David Walliams has long been known for his unpredictable and mischievous nature on live television. From his antics on Britain’s Got Talent to past appearances on talk shows, he often pushes the boundaries of humor, sometimes catching presenters and producers off guard.
His latest remark about Keir Starmer may not have been his most controversial, but it certainly got people talking. Whether intended as a lighthearted jab or a pointed comment on government policies, Walliams once again proved why he remains one of the most unpredictable personalities in British entertainment.
As for The One Show, it seems the program may need to brace itself for more unexpected moments, especially when hosting guests as unfiltered as David Walliams.
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