Sara Pascoe reveals she was fired from David Walliams’ TV show after ‘breakdown’ on set

The comedian has opened up about an uncomfortable early television experience, admitting she struggled to find her voice after joining the short-lived Sky1 panel show Wall of Fame.

Sara Pascoe has candidly revealed how she was sacked from a television presenting job after becoming so nervous on set that she struggled to speak.

The comedian, 45, has reflected on her experience appearing on Wall of Fame, a celebrity panel show hosted by David Walliams which aired on Sky1 in 2011.

Sara joined the programme after replacing Tamara Ecclestone, who had been a regular panellist during the show’s opening two episodes. However, what should have been an exciting career opportunity quickly turned into an uncomfortable experience for the stand-up star.

Speaking to Radio Times magazine, Sara admitted that her confidence deserted her once filming began, despite having taken part in rehearsals ahead of the recordings.

She told the publication: “It was a bizarre experience. With a new format, they have run-throughs in the office to see how the games work, and I’d played some of those run-throughs.

“Tamara Eccleston was a regular panellist, but they replaced her after two weeks and offered me the job.

“I’m not speaking out of turn because they fired me as I was equally shy [once filming began]. It was like I’d had a breakdown; I’d sit silently or say one thing and nobody would laugh, so I wouldn’t speak again.

“You have to learn how to be on a panel show because they are completely different to stand-up.”

Sara appeared in eight episodes of the programme before her departure. The show, which featured two teams discussing the most talked-about celebrities of the week, also starred Jack Dee, Kate Garraway and Andrew Maxwell. It ultimately lasted for just one series.

The revelation offers an insight into the less glamorous side of building a career in television, particularly for comedians making the transition from live performances to studio entertainment.

Sara also used the interview to question whether television panel shows are doing enough to give emerging comedy talent opportunities.

She suggested that although the stand-up circuit has become increasingly diverse, television has been slower to embrace new voices.

“People are trying, and comedy itself, in terms of live stand-up, is diverse and representative.

“TV is catching up, but I still watch shows sometimes and think, ‘I’d rather be hearing more from that person than that person.’

“I don’t want to put a tick next to panel shows and say, ‘Everything’s solved!’ There’s too much caution, and there aren’t enough platforms for newer comics.

“There aren’t any risks taken, but TV is also now in a position where it can’t take risks. Producers would lose their jobs and channels are struggling financially, so it’s a tightrope.”

Her comments come after another difficult television chapter, following her departure from BBC favourite The Great British Sewing Bee.

Sara fronted the popular sewing competition for three series before taking time away following the birth of her second child. However, she later expressed surprise at not returning to the presenting role, claiming she had been replaced by a younger woman.

Speaking on The Harry Hill Show, she previously said: “No. They replaced me with a younger woman. Showbusiness is harsh!”

The role subsequently went to comedian Sophie Willan, who took over presenting duties.

Despite the setbacks, Sara has continued to enjoy a successful career in comedy and television, with her honesty about the industry’s less forgiving side offering a reminder that even established performers have experienced professional disappointments.

And while her early experience on Wall of Fame may not have gone according to plan, the comedian has certainly gone on to establish herself as one of Britain’s best-known comedy talents.

What to read next:

Share this post with someone you think would like it…