The Reckoning: Steve Coogan to play Jimmy Savile in new BBC One drama

The BBC has worked closely with people affected by Savile’s abuse to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Steve Coogan will play Jimmy Savile in gritty new BBC One drama The Reckoning.

The new mini-series, produced by ITV Studios, will chart the life of the paedophile TV and radio star, from his early life and rise to fame, to his prolific offending.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

We want to hear from you: let us know what you think about this story and be part of the debate in our comments section below

What has the BBC said about the series?

The series will trace Savile through his early years in the dance halls of Northern England and his career with the BBC, up to his twilight years when he tried to dispel growing rumours about his life.

The BBC said it has worked closely with many people whose lives were affected by Savile’s abuse to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect.

The drama will examine the impact of his appalling crimes on his victims and the powerlessness many felt when they tried to raise the alarm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Savile used his involvement with various organisations, including hospitals, prisons and charities, and his powerful celebrity status to conceal his crimes.

Executive Producer at ITV Studios, Jeff Pope 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."

Coogan, who is best known for his comic creation Alan Partridge, said the decision to play the role was not one he took lightly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He 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."

When will the series be on TV?

The BBC has not confirmed a screen date for the series yet, but filming is due to start within weeks.

Director, Sandra Goldbacher, added: "The Reckoning is a unique opportunity to give Savile’s survivors, the people who inspired this project, a voice.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I feel sure that Steve Coogan’s powerful performance as Savile will create a debate around how the cult of celebrity cloaked him from scrutiny."

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. NationalWorld is a new national news brand, produced by a team of journalists, editors, video producers and designers who live and work across the UK. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going. You can also sign up to our newsletters and get a curated selection of our best reads to your inbox every day.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.