BBC drops first look at Steve Coogan as Jimmy Savile in The Reckoning and finally confirms release date
THE BBC has dropped the first look at Steve Coogan as Jimmy Savile in The Reckoning – and finally confirmed its release date.
Back in February, The Sun exclusively revealed how BBC bosses had pushed back the broadcast of the controversial drama amid fears of a backlash.
But now the plans are finally in place for the show to air this autumn.
Today the BBC released the first official picture of Steve, 57, as paedophile Savile, who used the Corporation’s studios as his hunting ground.
The four-part series will trace the life of Savile, a man who, for decades, became one of the UK’s most influential celebrities, but in death has become one of the most reviled figures of modern history following revelations of extensive and horrific abuse.
Savile used his involvement in multiple organisations, such as the BBC, hospitals, prisons, and charities, to legitimise himself, forging friendships in showbusiness, politics, journalism, the Catholic Church and even the Royal Family to cement his position.
A synopsis of the drama reads: “The series will explore how Savile used his celebrity and powerful connections to conceal his crimes and exploit institutional failings.
“It is important to understand how he was able to hide in plain sight in order to gain a greater understanding of how he evaded justice.
“The drama aims to highlight the importance of confronting the horrors of the past and talking openly about abuse.”
The team have worked closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their experiences are told and reflected with sensitivity and respect, and the drama will also draw on extensive, wide-ranging research and published accounts.
It will examine the impact his appalling crimes had on his victims, and the powerlessness many felt when they tried to raise the alarm.
Four survivors of Savile who have contributed to The Reckoning will also feature in the series, interviewed on camera to offer their further insight and to reflect on their experiences in the hope that the telling of their stories will prevent something like it happening again.
Alongside Steve, the cast also includes Gemma Jones, Siobhan Finneran, Mark Lewis Jones and Mark Stanley.
It has been written by Neil McKay and he also serves as an executive producer alongside Jeff Pope and Lucy Richer.
The Reckoning will air in the autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.