BBC viewers saying the same thing as Steve Coogan channels Jimmy Savile

10 October 2023 , 08:16

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Steve Coogan is playing Jimmy Savile (Image: BBC/ITV Studios/Matt Squire)

BBC viewers are saying the same thing after watching The Reckoning which documents the vile crimes committed by Jimmy Savile.

Actor Steve Coogan, who plays the disgraced star - exposed as a paedophile, rapist and serial abuser only after his death - admitted he had to put his 'overwhelming sense of revulsion' to one side to play him convincingly. The series which has been commissioned by the corporation, which Savile previously worked for is a biographical account of his life.

But as people tuned in to uncover the true extent of his horrific crimes against teenage girls, young women, younger girls, boys, ill people, disabled people and even the dead, viewers all said the same thing. Flocking to social media, many commended Steve, 57, for his portrayal.

Viewers of The Reckoning have all said the same thing as Steve Coogan plays disgraced paedophile Jimmy Savile (BBC/ITV Studios/Matt Squire)

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer said: "Watched episode 1 of #TheReckoning @BBCOne… Steve Coogan is outstanding - what a sensational delivery of Jimmy Savile's odd ticks & subterfuge… Great script - important to see victims' stories sensitively told." A second penned: "Steve Coogan is menacingly brilliant as Savile in #TheReckoning."

Meanwhile, another typed: "Steve Coogan is absolutely excellent in #TheReckoning. The mannerisms, voice and acting is all just as skin-crawling and vile as it needs to be. Excellently written and acted, in exactly the right tone. I’d advise anyone to watch it." "Steve Coogan's portrayal of Jimmy Saville is simply extraordinary. Chilling," wrote another.

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Another tweeted: "Six minutes in; give Steve Coogan the BAFTA now. Absolutely chilled to the bone. #TheReckoning." While one added: "#TheReckoning is extraordinary - Steve Coogan must have had to scrub this character off him at the end of every day. He's chilling, alarmingly accurate."

Savile died in 2011 and was never held accountable for his hideous crimes (Getty)

During the first episode which aired on Monday night, in one harrowing scene, Savile is seen visiting a hospital where one young girl is sitting up in bed. Upon seeing popular DJ Savile dressed up in a clown costume, the young girl beams with joy - however, things soon turn incredibly sinister. Savile asks the young hospital patient what ailment she has before asking her to 'help look for his juggling balls' as he encourages her to 'check his pockets' in a busy ward. Savile then grabs her hand and places it on his manhood before the victim leaps out of bed and hides in the bathroom crying.

Moments later, a nurse follows her and quizzes her on why she is hiding and crying before telling her 'that's just Jimmy. He's trying to cheer everyone up'. Savile died aged 84 in October 2011. Throughout his life, Savile was confronted with several allegations of sexual abuse with the first known case being launched in 1958 – although there was not sufficient evidence.

Following his death, allegations dating back to 1963 were made against him and an official investigation, Operation Yewtree was launched in 2012. In October of the same year, The Met Police said they were looking into 400 enquiries and that the number of alleged victims was around 450.

If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999

Watch The Reckoning, on BBC1 and iPlayer.

Daniel Bird