The BBC is releasing a new drama telling the story of prolific sex offender Jimmy Savile's life - and Steve Coogan has been cast to play him.
The Alan Partridge actor will take on a more serious role in new BBC drama The Reckoning, will will tell the story of Savile's life and the abuse scandal that surrounded it.
Producers at the BBC have worked with Savile's victims to tell their stories with "sensitivity and respect".
Written by Neil McKay - also behind a drama about serial killer Fred West called Appropriate Adult - the new drama will tell the story of the Top of the Pops and Jim'll Fix It presenter's life.
Speaking on the decision to take on the role, Coogan said he had not made it lightly and called the story of Savile's life "horrific" but said it needed to be told.
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."
Whilst it's understood that some of Savile's victims did report abuse during his lifetime, it wasn't until his death that the allegations properly came to light.
The DJ and television presenter had raised millions of pounds for charity but also abused scores of victims over a 50 year period. Following his death at 84, it was revealed in a report that 72 of his victims were connected with his work at the BBC - including eight who were raped.
Offenses committed by the presenter on NHS premises also cost the health service £1.1m in compensation and legal fees to 52 victims abused by the presenter on its premises. Meanwhile, Savile's estate contributed just over £53 000.
Some TV viewers have expressed strong feelings about the move online. One Leeds viewer said, "Think of all his victims why should his name be glorified in a drama absolutely sick and especially the BBC that covered up for him over all them decades."
Another said, "I was a victim of his and this has brought back horrible flashbacks, it's sickening to do it."
A further person said, "It needs to be aired but it's cruel to do so because the amount of victims that haven't come forward but I think its gunna make a point of even if ya famous and friends in high places they will out you."
And someone else added, "This is the bbc making money on something they covered up for years. How on earth the bbc are allowed to do this…..it’s shocking."
Feature image - Wikimedia Commons
Leeds
Female-founded independent jewellery brand to open in Leeds’ Victoria Gate
Norfolk-based jewellery brand Lisa Angel is opening their first Yorkshire site right here in Leeds.
Jewellery and trinket lovers, this one's for you.
Lisa Angel, a female-founded jewellery and gifting brand will open the doors to its new store in Victoria Gate next month.
Shoppers can expect a wonderful range of jewellery, gifts, and accessories that have established a loyal following during more than twenty years of business.
Founded in 2004 by Lisa hand making jewellery which she sold at craft fairs local to her Norfolk home, the business has only gone from strength to strength since.
Image: Supplied
The brand is now a recognised part of the British high street landscape, boasting seven other stores across Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Midlands.
After opening two stores last year and three stores in 2024, Lisa Angel’s founder and Creative Director, Lisa, said: “As an independent retailer, we are thrilled to launch in a destination with such a reputation as Victoria Leeds.
"We believe retail should remain grounded in inspiration and discovery, and we look forward to bringing just that to the vibrant city of Leeds, in our first store in the north.”
Managing Director James Moody explained the significance to the business of opening a new store in a city as influential as Leeds: “We're incredibly excited to be opening our first northern showcase store in such a prestigious location.
"Victoria Leeds represents exactly the kind of vibrant retail destination where we can bring the full Lisa Angel experience to new customers. This is a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow our retail presence."
We'll keep you up to date when we know an opening date, but for now you can check out what to expect here.
Yorkshire residents are being invited to name two new bin lorries
Clementine Hall
Well...this is a new one.
Ever fancied naming a bin lorry? Well today is your lucky day, because now you can.
Yorkshire-based waste management experts Divert are celebrating the arrival of two swanky new tbin rucks by inviting the local community to help name them.
The iconic purple bins, vans and trucks can be seen across the Yorkshire area helping to clean up waste from Bradford to Harrogate.
Two new lorries are set to be joining the fleet in April and May, and of course they need a name.
And who better to ask than the general public? The winning names will be added to the cabs of each of the trucks for all to see, and announced via the Divert website and social media channels.
Absolutely anyone from across the UK is welcome to take part, but the company are especially keen for people from Yorkshire to enter.
You can be as creative as you like, but there are a couple of rules...
No swearing or offensive names. Aside from that, you can let your freak flag fly.
The Divert team are keen to hear the 'best celebrity puns, local namesakes, and downright silly names' the public have to offer.
John Verity, Managing Director of Divert, comments: “Naming our bin trucks is a great way to bring some joy to the local community. We hope to bring a smile to the faces of passing drivers and pedestrians as our fleet passes by.
“Not only that, naming our lorries can help our drivers to take pride and ownership in the vehicles they drive and be a key reminder of our engagement within the community. We’re always keen to employ any initiatives that help the public to engage with us and ensure we’re seen as a friendly face in the area.”
Winners will be voted for by the team internally, and the competition closes at 5 pm on 31 March 2026.
Georgina Pellant -
27th September 2021 
