Jimmy Savile

Steve Coogan explains BBC’s “correct” choice to tackle Jimmy Savile story

~ Michael Stevenson ~ 1 Comment
Steve Coogan as Jimmy Saville
Steve Coogan as Jimmy Savile

“The BBC are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.”

Steve Coogan has said the BBC made the “correct choice” to go ahead with creating a true crime drama about Jimmy Savile’s life and the crimes he committed.

Jimmy Savile was one of the BBC’s most popular presenters and following his death, he was outed as a serial abuser. New series The Reckoning will trace Savile’s life through the decades and plans to “use drama’s unique ability to place events in their emotional and historical context”.

Coogan will portray Savile in the four-part series this autumn, alongside Gemma Jones (Marvellous), Mark Stanley (Happy Valley) and Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley).

The BBC has faced backlash over the drama from some quarters, with suggestions that it could bring back traumatic memories for Savile’s victims and concerns that it isn’t an appropriate subject matter for drama.

Speaking to The Radio Times Podcast for the latest issue of Radio Times magazine, Coogan revealed that he believes the BBC made the right choice when it came to green lighting the series.

“It is controversial and I understand that. The BBC are damned if they do and damned if they don’t, and I believe the correct choice is to be damned if they do,” he explained.

“Broadly, it’s better to talk about something than not. The team had the right attitude and it was done with the cooperation of survivors. I think when it’s broadcast, it will vindicate itself.”

Last month, BBC content boss Charlotte Moore said the broadcaster would not “censor” writers who want to make shows about controversial subjects.

Coogan has previously said: “To play Jimmy Savile was not a decision I took lightly. Neil McKay has written an intelligent script tackling sensitively an horrific story which – however harrowing – needs to be told.”

Executive producer Jeff Pope has also said: “The purpose of this drama is to explore how Savile’s offending went unchecked for so long, and in shining a light on this, to ensure such crimes never happen again. Steve Coogan has a unique ability to inhabit complex characters and will approach this role with the greatest care and integrity.”

Source: Steve Coogan explains BBC’s “correct” choice to tackle Jimmy Savile story

Jimmy Savile survivors will appear in chilling BBC drama starring Steve Coogan

~ Michael Stevenson ~ Leave a comment

Savile’s survivors recently visited the set of The Reckoning.

By Adam Miller

The victims of Jimmy Savile will be appearing in the upcoming BBC drama The Reckoning, starring Steve Coogan as the monster paedophile.

Savile died in 2011, aged, 84, having never been brought to justice for his crimes while he’s now thought to be one Britain’s most prolific sex offenders.

The Reckoning will explore the children’s TV presenter’s horrific acts against young women, written by Neil McKay who recently received huge praise for his drama Four Lives, which followed the victims of ‘Grindr Killer’ Stephen Port.

According to the Sun, Savile’s victims will feature in the BBC drama after it was confirmed some of his survivors met with Coogan while he was dressed as the monster on set.

Writer McKay said: ‘The victims requested to attend filming since we are telling their stories.

‘Safeguarding measures were put in place to facilitate this.

‘We are working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect.’

The BBC has defended The Reckoning from critics, with organisations for sex abuse victims blasting the broadcaster.The Survivors’ Network said: ‘It should not be used as entertainment.’

Savile’s nephew also criticised the Beeb and claimed none of the disgraced presenter’s family had been consulted.

The BBC released a statement saying: ‘The team are working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect, and the drama will also draw on extensive and wide-ranging research sources.

‘It will examine the impact his appalling crimes had on his victims and the powerlessness many felt when they tried to raise the alarm.’

Speaking of landing the controversial role, Coogan said: ‘To play Jimmy Savile was not a decision I took lightly.

‘Neil McKay has written an intelligent script tackling sensitively a horrific story which, however harrowing, needs to be told.’

The BBC declined to comment on this story.

The Reckoning is expected to be released on BBC later this year.

Source: Jimmy Savile survivors will appear in chilling BBC drama starring Steve Coogan