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<\/p>\nControversial Jimmy Savile drama The Reckoning has reportedly been delayed as BBC bosses called for more focus to be placed on his victims.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The four-part series was expected to be screened by the BBC\u00a0this autumn – despite a backlash from victims of the sex offender, who died in 2011 aged 84.<\/p>\n
The Reckoning, which will trace the disgraced former star’s upbringing, his early career and prolific child sex offences, finished filming in January 2022.<\/p>\n
However, it’s now said the release date has been put on hold because of fears that the series, starring Steve Coogan, could look like a biopic of the\u00a0paedophile.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Sun reports after watching early versions of the drama, BBC executives called for the main focus of the drama to shift to Savile’s victims so as to stop viewers from ‘misinterpreting’ it as a show about Savile.<\/p>\n
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Paused:\u00a0Controversial Jimmy Savile drama The Reckoning has reportedly been delayed as BBC bosses called for more focus to be placed on his victims<\/p>\n
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Monster:\u00a0The four-part series was expected to be screened by the BBC this autumn – despite a backlash from victims of the sex offender, who died in 2011 aged 84<\/p>\n
A source told the publication: ‘There has been much speculation about how a programme that was first announced three years ago has yet to appear on our screens.<\/p>\n
‘The BBC have simply maintained they wanted to take their time and get the final version right. They understand it\u2019s an incredibly delicate balance to strike and have a duty of care to the victims.<\/p>\n
‘So they will feature far more in the drama itself, as well as real life victims who will be appearing during the series.’<\/p>\n
MailOnline have contacted the BBC for comment.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Savile, who died before his crimes could be uncovered, preyed on vulnerable children and abused his position to get to close to minors.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A BBC spokesperson added to The Sun: ‘The focus of the drama has not shifted. We have always said that we\u2019re working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile, including survivors \u2014 four of whom also feature in the drama.’<\/p>\n
Last month, the first official still for the new drama was released ahead of its broadcast later this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Steve Coogan, 57, has taken on the role of the depraved presenter, and the image shows him wearing a replica of one of the late\u00a0TV and radio personality’s colourful tracksuits while lounging in a chair and smoking a cigar.<\/p>\n
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Filming:\u00a0The Reckoning, which will trace the disgraced former star’s upbringing, his early career and prolific child sex offences, finished filming in January 2022 (Jimmy pictured in 2006)<\/p>\n
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Delayed: It’s now said that the release date has been put on hold because of fears that the series, starring Steve Coogan , could look like a biopic of the paedophile<\/p>\n
His profile is visible as he sits in what appears to be a hotel room, also sporting the disgraced media personality’s unflattering cropped, dyed, blond hair.<\/p>\n
It was reported at the beginning of this year that executives were nervous about the show being broadcast after it was met with criticism.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A TV insider told\u00a0The Sun: ‘It’s been three years since the BBC announced it was making this drama and there’s been a fierce response from victims.<\/p>\n
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Chilling:\u00a0Last month, the first official still for the new drama was been released ahead of its broadcast later this year\u00a0<\/p>\n
‘Most dramas don’t take this long to edit and air, but they don’t want to put a foot wrong.’<\/p>\n
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘We are currently in post-production for transmission later this year. An exact date will be announced in due course.’<\/p>\n
The decision to chronicle Savile’s life has come under fire from many, however the BBC has stated that it worked with his victims and will portray the story ‘with sensitivity and respect’.<\/p>\n