Steve Coogan has been photographed filming scenes for the upcoming BBC drama The Reckoning, in which he portrays the disgraced sex offender Jimmy Savile. The actor was seen jogging along a canal towpath with co-star Robert Emms, who plays Ray Teret, wearing a maroon tracksuit and a disgruntled expression.
Previous set photos showed Coogan in a jester costume, indicating that the drama includes scenes from Savile's time as a volunteer at Leeds General Infirmary and Stoke Mandeville Hospital during the 1960s. Investigations after Savile's death in 2011 revealed he abused at least 33 patients in Leeds and 63 people connected to Stoke Mandeville, with crimes ranging from inappropriate touching to rape of children under 12.
The series has faced backlash, with critics accusing the BBC of hypocrisy given Savile's history with the broadcaster. The BBC stated that the production team is working closely with survivors to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity. Director Sandra Goldbacher said the drama gives survivors a voice, while Coogan noted that the script tackles the horrific story sensitively and needed to be told.
