Steven Coogan will star as Jimmy Saville in new BBC drama The Reckoning

The BBC has announced The Reckoning, what will surely by a highly scrutinised drama telling the story of Jimmy Saville (played by Steve Coogan.) In case you need reminding of the extent of Saville’s vileness, there’s a summary:

The mini-series will trace the life of Jimmy Savile, a man who rose from working-class origins to become one of the biggest stars of British television, but in death has become one of the most reviled figures of modern history following revelations of extensive and horrific abuse. The story will trace Savile through his early years in the dance halls of northern England, his career with the BBC, to his twilight years when he sought to dispel the growing rumours about his life and the legacy he would leave behind.

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.

Savile used his involvement in multiple organisations, such as hospitals, prisons, charities and the BBC, to legitimise himself. The drama will explore the way he used his celebrity and powerful connections to conceal his wrongdoings and to hide in plain sight.

Steve Coogan thought long and hard before taking the role, and said:

“To play Jimmy Savile was not a decision I took lightly. Neil McKay has written an intelligent script tackling sensitively an horrific story which — however harrowing — needs to be told.”

You can read more on The Reckoning in the announcement.