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The BBC has dropped a chilling first look at Steve Coogan as Jimmy Savile in the upcoming drama.<\/p>\n
Four-part series The Reckoning\u00a0stars Coogan as the disgraced DJ,\u00a0who died in 2011 aged 84 before his prolific crimes as a child sex abuser and sex offender came to light.<\/p>\n
More than 450 horrifying allegations were brought forward to the police following his death.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
And further details have now emerged, including a tense picture of Coogan as the sex offender.<\/p>\n
In the image, he is dressed as Savile in one of his trademark red suits, with his hair cropped into a blonde bob.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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The synopsis for the programme reads: \u2018The four-part series will trace the life of Jimmy Savile, a man who, for decades, became one of the UK\u2019s most influential celebrities, but in death has become one of the most reviled figures of modern history following revelations of extensive and horrific abuse.<\/p>\n
\u2018Savile 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.<\/p>\n
\u2018Using drama\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u2018It 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.<\/p>\n
\u2018The drama aims to highlight the importance of confronting the horrors of the past and talking openly about abuse.\u2019<\/p>\n
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In a press release, the BBC highlighted the team worked \u2018with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their experiences are told and reflected with sensitivity and respect.\u2019<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This comes after Coogan said he believes the controversial drama is \u2018walking a tight rope\u2019, but insisted the series will \u2018vindicate\u2019 itself.<\/p>\n
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live earlier this year, he said: \u2018The writing of it has required a lot of skill.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s walking a tightrope. But I think it will vindicate itself when it comes out. I\u2019ve seen a bit and I think it\u2019s good.\u2019<\/p>\n
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He continued: \u2018It\u2019s a mistake to think that the best way to deal with something is to not talk about it.\u2019<\/p>\n
The makers of the programme were \u2018working closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect\u2019, the BBC said in a casting announcement last year.<\/p>\n
Coogan elsewhere hit back at the \u2018antagonism\u2019 towards his starring role and stated that the series could \u2018prevent\u2019 history repeating itself.<\/p>\n
\u2018If you sweep it under the carpet and just don\u2019t talk about it anymore, then those people are destined to come back,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n