The victims of Jimmy Savile are scheduled to watch actor Steve Coogan play the role of the convicted paedophile during the filming of the BBC’s latest controversial drama.
Steve Coogan, English actor and comedian best known for his iconic role as Alan Partridge, will be meeting a few of Jimmy Savile’s victims on the set of this highly contentious BBC drama set to air in 2022.
The 56-year-old will be playing Jimmy Savile himself in the brand-new series, The Reckoning, revisiting many of the notorious ex-BBC personality’s outfits including a reproduction of Savile’s matching red tracksuit.
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According to The Sun, writer of the series, Neil McKay has explained, ‘The victims concerned requested to attend filming since we are telling their stories.’
Some of those who were actively targeted by the paedophile had ‘requested to attend filming’, according to McKay who explained that ‘all appropriate safeguarding measures were put in place by production to facilitate this'.
McKay added: "It’s clearly going to be strange. But they wanted to do it, they’re fully prepared, so it will be interesting."
This isn’t the first time writer McKay has invited victims to a set to watch a recreation of events.
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Back in 2016, he also invited the families of the Moors Murder victims to watch actors Maxine Peake and Sean Harris play killers Myra Hindley and Ian Brady in the ITV drama.
While The Survivors’ Network has since commented on the matter, arguing that ‘it should not be used as entertainment’, McKay maintains that ‘the team are working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect.’
The Reckoning is set to air later on in 2022.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 802 9999 between 12pm–2.30pm and 7pm– 9.30pm every day. Alternatively, you can contact Victim Support free on 08 08 16 89 111 available 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas
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