Sara Pascoe has claimed she was fired from the short-lived celebrity panel show Wall of Fame after becoming so shy that she struggled to speak when her jokes fell flat.
The comedian, 45, joined the Sky1 programme after replacing model Tamara Ecclestone, 42, and appeared in eight episodes of the show, hosted by David Walliams, 55, before it was cancelled after one series in 2011.
The programme saw two teams of panellists, including Kate Garraway, 59, Jack Dee, 65, and Andrew Maxwell, 51, discuss the week’s most talked-about celebrities in the UK.
Pascoe told the new issue of Radio Times magazine: “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.”
Pascoe added that she believes panel shows do not do enough to give up-and-coming comedians a platform to showcase their talent.
She explained: “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.”
Last month, Pascoe claimed the BBC “replaced” her on The Great British Sewing Bee in 2025 with “a younger woman”, 39-year-old Sophie Willan.
Asked if she still did the series, Pascoe told The Harry Hill Show: “No. They replaced me with a younger woman. Showbusiness is harsh!”
Rather than criticising the people who made the decision, the stand-up comedienne hinted she wanted to keep doors open for the future.
Pascoe laughed: “I’m very lucky for the work I’ve had; I'm very gracious, I have bought a house. I send love and light to everyone.”
However, she did reveal she would love to return one day as a contestant and “earn” her job back.
Pascoe teased: “This is my secret dream; I haven’t told them this.
“I’m gonna learn to sew, I’ve got a sewing machine, I’m gonna enter the show as a sewer and then work my way up back to presenting it again. [laughs]”
The Great British Sewing Bee launched in April 2013, and Claudia Winkleman, 54, and comedian Joe Lycett, 38, have both previously served as hosts.
Last year, actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe, 37, stepped in while Pascoe was on maternity leave after she welcomed her second child, Albie, through IVF, with her 39-year-old husband, comedian Steen Raskopoulos, in October 2023.
The couple are also parents to Theodore “Theo”, who was born in February 2022, also via IVF.
In September 2025, the BBC confirmed Alma’s Not Normal star Sophie was joining The Great British Sewing Bee as host for the Christmas Celebrity Special, before taking the reins on this year’s regular series.
Cal Turner, BBC commissioning editor, said: “We are delighted to welcome Sophie Willan to The Great British Sewing Bee.
“With her boundless enthusiasm and energy, Sophie will bring her own unique spark to the sewing room alongside Patrick and Esme.
“We’d also like to thank Sara Pascoe for three brilliant series – her humour and charm have been a joy for viewers and stitchers alike.”
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