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Steve Coogan was pictured wearing a jester outfit on Monday as he filmed scenes in character as Jimmy Savile for controversial new series, The Reckoning.
The actor, 55, has taken on the role in the upcoming BBC drama, which will trace the disgraced former star’s upbringing, his early career and prolific child sex offences.
The new scenes saw Steve film in fancy dress and donning a wig to mimic Savile’s trademark blond hair.
On set: Steve Coogan was pictured wearing a jester outfit on Monday as he filmed scenes in character as Jimmy Savile for controversial new series, The Reckoning
Transformed: The actor, 55, has taken on the role of Jimmy Savile (pictured right in 2000) in the BBC drama, which will trace the disgraced star’s upbringing and prolific child sex offences
The scenes appeared to be taking place in a hospital setting as he could be seen standing next to an extra dressed in nursing gear from the Sixties – when child abuse allegations against Savile began.
While there are no known records of Savile visiting hospitals in a jester costume, the performer was known for his outlandish outfits and selections of shell suits.
The decision to chronicle Savile’s life has come under fire from many, however BBC has stated that they worked with his victims and will portray a story ‘with sensitivity and respect’.
Filming: The new scenes saw Steve film in fancy dress and donning a wig to mimic Savile’s trademark blond hair
Filming for the show got underway in Bolton on Friday, with Steve seen arriving on the set in the back of a chauffeured Range Rover.
The actor was then seen being escorted into his trailer under the cover of several umbrellas as series producers went to great lengths to keep the actor undercover.
Steve, who famously portrays fictional comedic character Alan Partridge, previously explained in a statement the decision to play Savile was not one ‘I took lightly’.
He added: ‘Neil McKay has written an intelligent script tackling sensitively a horrific story which, however harrowing, needs to be told.’
Savile, who rose from a humble working-class upbringing to become one of British television’s biggest stars, passed away aged 84 in 2011.
In his final years, he fought to quell growing speculation about his illegal exploits throughout his illustrious career with the BBC – with victim testimony expected to be brought to life in the new drama.
A BBC-led inquiry into his actions found he had molested at least 72 children, some as young as eight, over a four decade campaign of sexual abuse with his first victim in 1959 and his last in 2006.
His horrific reign of abuse could be charted ‘in the corridors, canteens, staircases and dressing rooms of every BBC premises’, their 2016 report found.
Executive producer, Jeff Pope, said: ‘I think this is a story that has to be told. We must understand why a man like Jimmy Savile seemed to remain immune for so long to proper scrutiny and criminal investigation.
‘Steve has a unique ability to inhabit complex characters and will approach this role with the greatest care and integrity.’
The BBC also says it will draw on ‘extensive and wide-ranging research sources’ or the project, examining the lasting impact of Savile’s crimes and the ‘powerlessness’ his victims felt.
Piers Wenger Controller, of BBC Drama, added: ‘The story of Jimmy Savile is one of the most emotive and troubling of our times. We do not intend to sensationalise these crimes but to give voice to his victims.
‘We will work with survivors to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect and to examine the institutions which Jimmy Savile was associated with and the circumstances in which these crimes took place.
‘Drama has the ability to tackle sensitive real life subjects and consider the impact of a crime on its survivors and what lessons can be learnt to stop this ever happening again.’
A release date has yet to be announced with filming for the series expected to continue taking place in Manchester over the coming months.
Shocking: Savile, who rose from a humble working-class upbringing to become one of British television’s biggest stars, passed away aged 84 in 2011
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