To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Matt Lucas has spoken out after BBC radio presenter Nihal Arthanayake alleged that he ‘took the p**s’ out of a British sign language interpreter.
The DJ, 53, took to social media after Matt was forced to apologise to Stranger Things actress Millie Bobby Brown for comparing her to his Little Britain character Vicky Pollard.
Taking to Instagram, Matt shared a video of the incident in question, in which he jokingly asks the interpreters on stage to sign: ‘Hello, I have a confession to make. I’m not actually a British sign language interpreter at all. I’m actually a convicted criminal. I know nothing of sign language, I’m literally just standing here waving my arms around willy nilly. Go on, do willy nilly again.’
The former Great British Bake Off judge then added a note reading: ‘Some stories have appeared today concerning an improvised comedy routine I did at the British Book Awards in May 2024. It was some light-hearted fun. I’m posting the routine so you can all make up your own minds.’
Nihal had shared with his 46,000 Instagram followers: ‘After watching Millie Bobby Brown name and shame people who she feels have been bullying her on social media and in the press, one of the names she mentioned was Matt Lucas. So, I thought I would tell you a little story about Matt Lucas.’
He goes on to claim that during the 2024 British Book Awards Matt, 51, ‘took the p**s’ out of the British sign language interpreter while he was on stage.
‘I just wanted to tell a little story from the British Book Awards last year, where Matt Lucas went on stage and decided that it would be funny, in his mind, to take the p**s out of the British sign language interpreter that was on stage,’ Nihal claimed.
‘It felt so awkward to be in the audience. Anyway, I was giving the award out afterwards, so I went on stage and the first thing I said was to the British sign language interpreter, “how do you sign Matt Lucas is a w***er?”
‘You can imagine how the audience reacted.’
Earlier in the week, Alice in Wonderland actor Matt said he was ‘mortified’ after Millie called him out by name for making comments on her appearance.
Matt had retweeted images of Millie, 21, wearing a pink tracksuit and silver hoops with her blonde hair tied up into a messy bun.
He captioned it with the Little Britain character’s iconic phrase: ‘No but yeah but.’
Apologising for his remarks, Matt responded: ‘Dear Millie, I just saw your post and wanted to respond, and provide some context.
‘Nearly 25 years ago I co-wrote and appeared in a sketch show called Little Britain.
‘There was a character in it called Vicky Pollard, who had blonde hair and always wore a pink top, and in the photo you had blonde hair and wore a pink top so I pointed out the similarity by posting one of her catchphrases.’
He said he thought Millie ‘looked terrified’ and was left ‘mortified’ when it was reported that he ‘slammed’ her, adding: ‘Firstly because that’s not my style and secondly because I think you’re brilliant.’
‘I would not have posted it if I had thought it would have upset you but I realise it has and for that I apologise. Matt x,’ the former Bake Off presenter concluded.
Millie shared an emotional video on Instagram addressing comments about her appearance.
She said: ‘I want to take a moment to address something that I think is bigger than just me, something that affects every young woman who grows up under public scrutiny. I think it’s necessary to speak up about this.
‘I started in this industry when I was 10 years old, I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me.
‘Instead, they act like I’m supposed to stay frozen in time, like I should still look the way I did on Stranger Things Season 1.
‘And because I don’t, I’m now a target.’
She went on to point out some of the articles that she thinks are ‘so desperate to tear young women down,’ including one which referenced Matt’s comparison.
She said it was ‘amplifying an insult rather than questioning why a grown man is mocking a young woman’s appearance.’
‘This is bullying,’ Millie went on, saying the attention on ‘my face, my body, my choices, it’s disturbing’.
Millie was inundated with support from fellow celebrities, with Sarah Jessica Parker writing: ‘Enormously proud of you. Xxx, SJ.’
Stacey Solomon added: ‘Louder for the people at the back! You’re incredible Millie. And so grounded & intelligent. I love this & everything you’re standing for.’
Matt Lucas has been contacted by Metro for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.