Jimmy Saville victims invited onto set to watch BBC drama being filmed
Survivors from Top of the Pops will meet with actor Steve Coogan, who is playing the predatory sex offender, onset whilst he is dressed in full costume
Survivors of Jimmy Saville have been invited onto the set of the new BBC drama about the predatory sex offender's life and will meet with actor Steve Coogan, whilst he is dressed in full costume.
Controversial BBC drama The Reckoning has received much criticism, and in a new unexpected move the writer behind it, Neil McKay, has invited Saville's Top of the Pops survivors onto the set to witness filming in action and meet with Coogan, who is playing the role of the horrific predator.
Organisations for sexual abuse victims have blasted the broadcaster for its decision to dramatise the crimes of Jimmy Saville, whilst viewers have called it 'hypocritical'.
The BBC also came under criticism from Jimmy Saville's nephew, who claimed none of the family had been consulted on the drama and accused the broadcaster of 'glorifying' his story.
Speaking to The Radio Times about the decision, McKay said: ‘It’s clearly going to be strange. But they wanted to do it, they’re fully prepared, so it will be interesting’
‘The victims concerned requested to attend filming since we are telling their stories, and all appropriate safeguarding measures were put in place by production to facilitate this.
‘The team are working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect.’
It's not the first time McKay has invited those close to his shocking stories on set, either.
The writer had previously brought the parents of Myra Hindley and Ian Brady's victims down to watch filming as Maxine Peake and Sean Harris took on the roles of the murderers in 2016 ITV drama See No Evil - The Moors Murderers.
The BBC released a statement saying: ‘The team are working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect, and the drama will also draw on extensive and wide-ranging research sources.
‘It will examine the impact his appalling crimes had on his victims and the powerlessness many felt when they tried to raise the alarm.’
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
The Hoot -
30th December 2021 
