Jimmy Savile abuse survivor recalls chilling response to watching Steve Coogan

09 October 2023 , 08:29

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Jimmy Savile abuse survivor recalls chilling response to watching Steve Coogan

Abuse survivor Sam Brown opened up to Susanna Reid and Ed Balls about what it was like watching Steve Coogan take on the role of Jimmy Savile for the new BBC drama The Reckoning.

A new TV drama sees actor Steve portray one of the notorious paedophiles and sex offenders in British criminal history. Opening up on being apart of the drama, Sam said: "I don't think I’m brave I use these opportunities for everyone that can't. I thought I'm a bit invincible, and that it wouldn't [affect me]. And everyone was saying to me, ‘Sam have you thought about how it's gonna feel?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, no problem.’

"And then we were watching filming of a graveyard scene. [Steve as Savile] was walking towards us. Inside of my head was screaming, ‘Just give me a minute, give me a minute, give me a minute or step back’ in my head, not realising this was coming out of my mouth. I didn't even know I was saying this.

Sam opened up on her experience on set of the drama (ITV)

"I just thought it was in my head. And then Steve said, ‘Sam I’m in dress, I’m in character, I'm not him, remember, I'm acting.’ It took me a few minutes to be okay, but it was a weird thing because it came from inside of me, it wasn't a conscious thought and I had to put my hands up and I was saying, ‘Stop.’ I didn’t even know I was doing it, I felt so embarrassed about that."

Ed asked: "How can you say you’re not brave? It’s so brave to put yourself through this for others." "That's not bravery, that's my job because I feel strong enough," Sam replied.

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Steve Coogan portrays Jimmy Savile (BBC)

"For all the people that are never going to say anything, they sit at home and turn over in their head how do they feel? Why are they reacting like this? Why are they parenting like that? Why did everyone hate on them as teenagers because people thought they were unruly? It's them people that won't tell anyone, but I want them to know, that's all really normal."

The TV presenter and radio DJ, who died in 2011 aged 84, enjoyed a successful career and was known for his charitable fundraising. It was only after his death that the full extent of his sexual abuse became clear.

If you have been affected by this story, the National Association for People Abused in Childhood is a charity that offers support and advice to adult survivors of any form of childhood abuse. It can be contacted on 0800 085 3330 or visit the website. Rape Crisis (England and Wales) offers help, support and information about rape and sexual violence. Call the national helpline on 0808 802 9999.

Charlotte McIntyre