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