Jimmy Savile abuse survivor brands Steve Coogan's portrayal as 'disgusting'
A Jimmy Savile survivor has revealed they believe the upcoming BBC series, The Reckoning starring Steve Coogan is "creepy".
The four-part series will document the life and disgusting crimes carried out by the former BBC television and radio presenter.
Comedian Steve Coogan has stepped into the role of playing the paedophile who died aged 84 at his home in Leeds just days before his 85th birthday in 2011.
The Reckoning which is due to air this year having been pushed back following the death of the Queen has been edited in a way to ensure it doesn't create more pain for his victims.
A Jimmy Savile survivor has described Steve Coogan's portrayal of the paedophile as "creepy" (Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
It's believed the total number of victims affected by Savile is around 450 (Getty Images)However, one of Savile's survivors, Sam Brown, who waived her right to anonymity has slammed the show and explained she was not ready for the "powerful" reaction after seeing the production.
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The comments come after one person who saw Coogan play Savile said it was "extraordinary" as he "morphed into him".
After seeing Coogan filming scenes in Cheshire, Sam said: "Oh my god, he was creepy, weird, awful, disgusting."
Speaking to Deadline, she added: "The voice was the thing that gave me a proper shock, I've got to be honest and I don’t get shocked by much anymore because I try my hardest not to – but that was difficult."
However, she was left terrified and yelled "go away" as Steve approached her, as he lost his Savile voice and reminded Sam that he was an actor.
Steve spent six months deciding if he wanted to play Savile (MCPIX)
Steve reminded Sam that he was an actor after she told him to "go away" (PA Wire/PA Images)Sam went on to explain that she was under no obligation to meet Steve on set but believed it may have made it easier for her when the series is broadcasted.
She added that Steve explained it took "six months" for him to decide to take on the job after discussing with those closest to him whether he should sign up.
But despite her initial reservations, she praised show bosses Neil McKay and Jeff Pope, stating that the team had been in constant contact with her throughout the production.
Savile is believed to have had around 450 victims (Getty)A spokesperson for the BBC told Deadline: "The team are working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told and reflected with sensitivity and respect."
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.
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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 have been affected by this story, contact Rape Crisis England & Wales for free confidential support and information on 08088029999 or their website or 08088010302 if you're calling from Scotland.
You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414 if you are in Ireland.
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