The BBC has dropped a chilling first look at Steve Coogan as Jimmy Savile in the upcoming drama.
Four-part series The Reckoning stars Coogan as the disgraced DJ, who died in 2011 aged 84 before his prolific crimes as a child sex abuser and sex offender came to light.
More than 450 horrifying allegations were brought forward to the police following his death.
While intense backlash to the series has already been brought to light, the broadcaster has previously explained the drama is being treated with extreme caution.
And further details have now emerged, including a tense picture of Coogan as the sex offender.
In the image, he is dressed as Savile in one of his trademark red suits, with his hair cropped into a blonde bob.
He holds a cigar in one hand as he looks out into a window, with the image being taken from an open door behind him.
The synopsis for the programme reads: ‘The four-part series will trace the life of Jimmy Savile, a man who, for decades, became one of the UK’s most influential celebrities, but in death has become one of the most reviled figures of modern history following revelations of extensive and horrific abuse.
‘Savile used his involvement in multiple organisations, such as the BBC, hospitals, prisons, and charities, to legitimise himself, forging friendships in showbusiness, politics, journalism, the Catholic Church and even the Royal family to cement his position.
‘Using drama’s unique ability to place events in their emotional and historical context, the series will explore how Savile used his celebrity and powerful connections to conceal his crimes and exploit institutional failings.
‘It is important to understand how he was able to hide in plain sight in order to gain a greater understanding of how he evaded justice.
‘The drama aims to highlight the importance of confronting the horrors of the past and talking openly about abuse.’
In a press release, the BBC highlighted the team worked ‘with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their experiences are told and reflected with sensitivity and respect.’
Details surrounding the cast have also been revealed with Gentleman Jack actress Gemma Jones and Happy Valley actors Mark Stanley and Siobhan Finneran joining Outlander actor Mark Lewis Jones.
This comes after Coogan said he believes the controversial drama is ‘walking a tight rope’, but insisted the series will ‘vindicate’ itself.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live earlier this year, he said: ‘The writing of it has required a lot of skill.’
‘It’s walking a tightrope. But I think it will vindicate itself when it comes out. I’ve seen a bit and I think it’s good.’
He continued: ‘It’s a mistake to think that the best way to deal with something is to not talk about it.’
The makers of the programme were ‘working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect’, the BBC said in a casting announcement last year.
Coogan elsewhere hit back at the ‘antagonism’ towards his starring role and stated that the series could ‘prevent’ history repeating itself.
‘If you sweep it under the carpet and just don’t talk about it anymore, then those people are destined to come back,’ he said.
The Reckoning will launch on BBC One later this year.
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