BBC viewers left sick over Steve Coogans transformation into Jimmy Savile

BBC viewers say they have been left 'feeling sick' after watching Steve Coogan's transformation into Jimmy Savile on The Reckoning.

Last night, (October 9) the BBC One drama aired its first episode, with the Alan Partridge star telling the story of how the radio and TV show host covered up horrific crimes.

Children's presenter Jimmy was exposed as a paedophile in the years after his death, with The Reckoning telling the stories of his real-life victims.

Viewers were left uncomfortable by Steve's impressive performance, which saw him mirror Savile with a blonde wig, bright tracksuits, and his signature cigar.

BBC bosses decided to show how Savile used his power and celebrity connections to evade justice without depicting any scenes of his sexual abuse against children.

However, for many, the first episode has already been so triggering that they couldn't manage to finish it.

Taking to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, one person said: "Had to give up after 20 minutes of 'The Reckoning.' Steve Coogan's Savile impression is masterful, but it was just too icky in the end."

Another agreed, penning: "I've stopped watching – it's not that it's bad – I just feel so damn uncomfortable. It's a difficult watch."

Others spoke about 'feeling sick' as they watched defiant Savile's crimes unfold on their screens.

One person said: "It's only been on 15 mins and my skin is crawling. Horrendous, vulgar excuse for a man."

"I've only just started and I feel sick," penned another.

A third agreed, saying: "Can't watch 'The Reckoning' as it's already making me sick."

While Steve was praised for taking his role as the sexual predator so seriously, people couldn't help but feel unnerved by the accuracy.

One person explained: "I kind of wish Steve Coogan wasn't quite so convincing as Jimmy Savile. Seeing him walking and talking on screen like this is just… Stay dead, please, you vile piece of dogs**t."

The disgraced presenter, known for hosting the chart music show Top Of The Pops in the 1970s and Jim'll Fix It in the 1980s, died in 2011 aged 84, having never been brought to justice for his crimes.

The makers of The Reckoning said they 'worked closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect.'

Speaking about the role on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch earlier this year, Steve said there had been a 'great deal of antipathy toward me doing it when it was announced.'

"I understand people's antagonism about the whole idea," he said, but added that the script was 'very intelligent' and 'it was done in consultation with many of the victims of Jimmy Savile'.

"And they came along to the shoot, and their story was encompassed into the story of Jimmy Savile, and I think with all these things, generally speaking, it's better to talk about them than not talk about them."

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