Little Britain star Matt Lucas has defended himself following criticism by Nihal Arthanayake over his behaviour towards a sign language interpreter at last year’s British Book Awards

Matt Lucas was slammed by a BBC radio presenter over his behaviour towards a sign language interpreter – but has hit back at the criticism.

BBC star Nihal Arthanayake claimed the comedian “took the p***” out of a British sign language interpreter while he was on stage at the 2024 British Book Awards. But, the Little Britain star has urged his followers to make up their own mind on his actions.

Nihal had said earlier on his own Instagram page: “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*** out of the British sign language interpreter that was on stage. 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.”

Nihal Arthanayake criticised Matt Lucas ( 
Image:
PA)

Matt Lucas posted his joke ( 
Image:
PA)
However, Matt, 51, has seemingly denied any wrongdoing by sharing his speech on his Instagram Stories. In it, people can be heard laughing as Matt said: “So everyone’s talking about books, but I’m not going to do that. I’m going to do something instead that I’ve always wanted to do. So please indulge me for a moment.

He then made people look at the big screen which was split, showing him on one side and the interpreter on another. Matt went on: “If you just look at the screen, I’m going to say 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 around here giving my arms around willy nilly.”

He then asked the interpreter to once again sign willy nilly. “Alright, let’s try some more. Armadillo, what’s armadillo?,” he joked. After sharing the clip, Matt posted another Story, saying: “Some stories have appeared today concerning an improvised comedy routine I did at the British Book Awards in May 2024. It was some lighthearted fun. I’m posting the routine here so you can all make your own minds up.