Jimmy Saville victims invited onto set to watch BBC drama being filmed

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.’

Feature image – Commons Wikimedia / Flickr