The BBC has released a disturbing first look at Steve Coogan in the role of Jimmy Savile in the forthcoming drama.
Series of four parts Coogan plays the disgraced DJ, who died in 2011 at the age of 84 before his serial crimes as a child sex abuser and sex offender were revealed.
Following his murder, more than 450 frightening claims were made to authorities.
While the series has already received significant controversy, the broadcaster has already said that the drama is being treated with considerable caution.
And new information has emerged, including a tense image of Coogan as the sex offender.
He is dressed as Savile in one of his famous red suits, with his hair chopped into a blonde bob in the shot.
He has a cigar in one hand and is looking out a window, the image taken from an open door behind him.
The synopsis for the programme reads: ‘The four-part series will trace the life of Jimmy 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.
‘Using drama’s unique ability to place events in their emotional and historical context, 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.’
In a press release, the BBC highlighted the team worked ‘with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their experiences are told and reflected with sensitivity and respect.’
The cast has already been unveiled, with Gemma Jones from Gentleman Jack and Mark Stanley and Siobhan Finneran from Happy Valley joining Outlander star Mark Lewis Jones.
This comes after Coogan stated that the contentious drama is ‘walking a tightrope,’ but that it would ‘vindicate’ itself.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live earlier this year, he said: ‘The writing of it has required a lot of skill.’
‘It’s walking a tightrope. But I think it will vindicate itself when it comes out. I’ve seen a bit and I think it’s good.’
He continued: ‘It’s a mistake to think that the best way to deal with something is to not talk about it.’
The makers of the programme were ‘working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect’, the BBC said in a casting announcement last year.
Coogan responded to the ‘antagonism’ directed at his main part by claiming that the series may ‘avoid’ history from repeating again.
‘If you sweep it under the carpet and just don’t talk about it anymore, then those people are destined to come back,’ he said.
The Reckoning will launch on BBC One later this year.
Source My Celebrity Life.
