Steve Coogan has defended the BBC‘s controversial new drama The Reckoning in which he plays the shamed sexual predator Jimmy Savile.
The actor, 56, appeared on Sunday Brunch to talk about the upcoming miniseries and said we need to look at individuals like Savile ‘to prevent it happening again’.
Coogan, who famously portrays fictional comedic character Alan Partridge, added that he spoke to actors playing the victims to put them at ease.
Coming soon: Steve Coogan has defended the BBC’s controversial new drama The Reckoning in which he plays the shamed sexual predator Jimmy Savile
‘I think that’s because Jimmy Savile played a trick on the entire nation so there’s a real feeling of antagonism about it,’ Steve told hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer.
He added: ‘But you need to look at someone like that to understand how they’re able to operate and to prevent it happening again.
‘If you sweep it under the carpet and just don’t talk about it anymore, then those people are destined to come back.’
Predator: The actor, 56, appeared on Sunday Brunch to talk about the upcoming miniseries and said we need to look at individuals like Savile ‘to prevent it happening again’ (Jimmy Savile presenting Top Of The Pops in 1973)
Changes: Changes: Coogan previously explained in a statement the decision to play Savile was not one ‘I took lightly’ (pictured left in character, Savile is seen right in the 60s)
Steve continued: ‘I’d go and talk to them as myself and go, “Hi, I’m Steve, I’m not Jimmy Savile, that’s who I’m going to play today”.
‘And you’re playing a role and we’re going to do it professionally, and it was so that they knew that I was someone else. So it was a tightrope, but I think we did it properly.’
The Reckoning will trace the disgraced former star’s upbringing, his early career and prolific child sex offences.
TV drama: Coogan, who famously portrays fictional comedic character Alan Partridge, added that he spoke to actors playing the victims to put them at ease
The decision to chronicle Savile’s life has come under fire from many, however BBC has stated that they worked with his victims and will portray a story ‘with sensitivity and respect’.
Coogan previously explained in a statement the decision to play Savile was not one ‘I took lightly’.
He added: ‘Neil McKay has written an intelligent script tackling sensitively a horrific story which, however harrowing, needs to be told.’
Controversy: The Reckoning will trace the disgraced former star’s upbringing, his early career and prolific child sex offences (Savile pictured in 1984)
Piers Wenger Controller, of BBC Drama, added: ‘The story of Jimmy Savile is one of the most emotive and troubling of our times.
‘We do not intend to sensationalise these crimes but to give voice to his victims.
‘We will work with survivors to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect and to examine the institutions which Jimmy Savile was associated with and the circumstances in which these crimes took place.
‘Drama has the ability to tackle sensitive real life subjects and consider the impact of a crime on its survivors and what lessons can be learnt to stop this ever happening again.’
For confidential support for adults who suffered any type of abuse in childhood call NAPAC on 0808 801 0331, free from landlines and mobiles, or click here for details
Hidden in plain sight: Savile was a much loved public figure in life, but he would be exposed as a serial sexual predator following his death in 2011. Here he is pictured at the Wren House International Telephone Exchange in 1975
