Victoria Coren Mitchell, a BBC broadcaster, came under criticism when fans called her online post on the Jimmy Savile series “insensitive.”
The four-part thriller stars Steve Coogan as the disgraced DJ, who died in 2011 at the age of 84 before his serial crimes as a child sex abuser and sex offender were revealed.
Viewers have previously seen Coogan in first-look photos as the disgusting serial abuser, but the much-anticipated trailer has now been published, indicating that Savile’s misdeeds will be investigated in full.
The 51-year-old Only Connect host attempted to dismiss Saville’s misdeeds while promoting the hit X quiz show formerly known as Twitter.
She wrote: ‘Ooh, I see that new Jimmy Savile/Steve Coogan biopic is on tonight.
‘If you can cope with watching a presenter who makes your flesh creep, I might also suggest Only Connect at 8pm on BBC Two and Have I Got A Bit More News For You at 10.40pm on BBC One.’
Ooh, I see that new Jimmy Savile/Steve Coogan biopic is on tonight. If you can cope with watching a presenter who makes your flesh creep, I might also suggest Only Connect at 8pm on BBC Two and Have I Got A Bit More News For You at 10.40pm on BBC One.
— Victoria Coren Mitchell (@VictoriaCoren) October 9, 2023
Fans were quick to slam the post, with one person replying: ‘This should never been made , there are people still alive he abused , has tv sunken to that low a depth of cringe.’
Another added: ‘Victoria I watch you every week . I think you are a great presenter but for the sake of Savilles victims I find this post a little off..oh and I admire Coogans bravery on taking on the role. The story has to be told for the survivors.’
A third agreed: I’m not sure I find this funny! I’m all for Only connect and HIGNFY (Have I Got News For You) but please consider the actual horrors that was inflicted on victims of Saville!’
Many people condemned the BBC series for repeating the issue and perhaps retraumatizing Savile’s victims.
‘It is controversial and I understand that,’ Coogan told Radio Times.
‘The BBC are damned if they do and damned if they don’t, and I believe the correct choice is to be damned if they do. Broadly, it’s better to talk about something than not.
‘The team had the right attitude and it was done with the cooperation of survivors. I think when it’s broadcast, it will vindicate itself.’
The BBC previously said it will ‘use drama’s unique ability to place events in their emotional and historical context’.
Four survivors will also feature in the series, being interviewed on camera sharing their encounters with Savile.
The Reckoning is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
