The BBC has faced strong criticism online after it was announced that they would be airing a new “sensitive” drama exploring the “complex” life of paedophile Jimmy Savile.
The mini-series, given the working title of The Reckoning, will see Alan Partridge actor Steve Coogan portray the late Jim’ll Fix It and Top of the Pops host, who died in 2011.
Following his death, the Metropolitan Police revealed that 450 allegations had been made against Savile, allegations they explored as part of Operation Yewtree.
Commenting on his casting, Coogan said: “To play Jimmy Savile was not a decision I took lightly. [Writer and co-producer] Neil McKay has written an intelligent script tackling sensitively an horrific story which - however harrowing - needs to be told.”
In its description of the drama, the BBC said it would “explore the way [Savile] used his celebrity and powerful connections to conceal his wrongdoings and to hide in plain sight”.
“[It] will trace the life of Jimmy Savile, a man who rose from working-class origins to become one of the biggest stars of British television, but in death has become one of the most reviled figures of modern history following revelations of extensive and horrific abuse.
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“The story will trace Savile through his early years in the dance halls of northern England, his career with the BBC, to his twilight years when he sought to dispel the growing rumours about his life and the legacy he would leave behind,” they said.
The broadcaster also went on to add that the team behind the series would be “working closely” with those whose lives were impacted by Savile, to “ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect”.
It will also use “extensive and wide-ranging research sources”.
Producer Jeff Pope, whose previous works have focussed on the disappearance of Shannon Matthews (The Moorside) and serial killer Fred West (Appropriate Adult), 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.”
Despite the team’s assurances, news of the upcoming drama has been met with backlash online, with many questioning the need for such a programme:
Why does the Jimmy Savile story ‘need to be told’? A) it already has been b) Who needs a TV drama about it?
— Flic Everett (@fliceverett) September 27, 2021
Unless it focuses on Margaret Thatcher's repeated demands that Savile be given a knighthood, repeatedly prevented by her staff (because they knew?), then it shouldn't be made. https://t.co/Qq8n4MDhle
— Paul Duane (@paulduanefilm) September 27, 2021
Alexa, show me an example of a TV series that no one asked for: https://t.co/D0AvvepW1k
— The Road to De-Mask-Us 🌸 Patrick Thunberg (@SherbetJibJab) September 26, 2021
‘Idea for a program. Steve Coogan to play Jimmy Savile in “sensitive” BBC drama.’ pic.twitter.com/me85iE0ndK
— It's John! (@odd_really) September 26, 2021
This is such a bad idea @stevecoogan65
— David Price (@DavidPriceOBE) September 26, 2021
Hard to see how you can make a film about Savile and it being 'sensitive' at the same time.
— John Pearce (@JohnPearce984) September 27, 2021
Nothing good can come of this
— izzy is gay - 🟨🟥🏳️🌈🏳️⚧ (@isohawks) September 27, 2021
Just, why? Why? Ugh. https://t.co/Tpiz4FggxS
— Rowan Coleman (@rowancoleman) September 27, 2021
Putting money on this project being scrapped https://t.co/EHwv0BNXev
— Chris Creegan | Gfinity (@ChrisCreegan) September 27, 2021
well at least now I can strike Coogan off my older guy on TV that I fancy list https://t.co/LHN9SDj7li
— Mollie Goodfellow (@hansmollman) September 27, 2021
Bit sick of murderers and child sex abusers being described as having "complex" characters, tbh https://t.co/CxN0kCQz5z
— Victoria Smith (@glosswitch) September 26, 2021
Others have pointed out the BBC’s involvement in Savile’s abuse, after Dame Janet Smith said in a 2016 report that the presenter would “gratify himself sexually on BBC premises whenever the opportunity arose” and that she heard of “incidents which took place in virtually every one of the BBC’s premises at which he worked”:
Not interested in discovering that Jimmy Savile was a 'complex character' thank you, BBC. He was your asset, a well-connected paedophile & more. Stop trying to make him a victim or someone to relate to. He ruined lives and was enabled by you. A mess you have yet to clear up. pic.twitter.com/QfZTv74TYG
— Sonia Poulton (@SoniaPoulton) September 27, 2021
The BBC, who gave serial sex offender Jimmy Savile regular spots on Top of the Pops and his very own children’s show then helped cover up his crimes, is making a ‘sensitive drama’ about the ‘complex character’. Unreal. https://t.co/m2ztzi27EV
— Phantom Power (@PhantomPower14) September 27, 2021
I don't object to Steve Coogan playing the role. I don't object to the very concept that it's about Jimmy Savile.
— Séamus (@seamusmateus) September 27, 2021
What I do object to is that the BBC are commissioning it. Let Amazon, Netflix, Channel4. All of them would be acceptable.
However, this is conflict of interest https://t.co/or6I3UlWbu
So let me just get this straight... the BBC spent decades profiting off, platforming & protecting Savile through his life with no regard for his victims to now make a TV series to profit off and revive is memory with no regard for his victims? Will they cover their complicitness? https://t.co/5y4JDVEz9M
— The First Horseman (@KalmPC) September 27, 2021
BBC keen to make more money off Jimmy Saville, a pedophile they protected with no care for his victims. https://t.co/zZDjBLy4tr
— Fuad Alakbarov (@DrAlakbarov) September 27, 2021
The investigation also found that one girl who complained about the presenter’s conduct was regarded as “a nuisance” by BBC floor staff.
A broadcast date for The Reckoning is yet to be announced.
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, you can contact your nearest Rape Crisis organisation for specialist, independent and confidential support. For more information, visit their website.
