Steve Coogan says people are uncomfortable with his Jimmy Savile drama because ‘the nation enabled him’

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Steve Coogan has said the backlash to him playing Jimmy Savile in a forthcoming BBC drama is partly because “the nation enabled” the paedophile presenter. I think as with all difficult subject matter, it’s better to talk about it than to not talk about it.” He added: “People like Dominic West played Fred West. “I think partly it’s because I’m playing someone who either hoodwinked a nation and groomed a nation, or if you’re being slightly less charitable, the nation enabled him.” Jimmy Savile Coogan said he believes it’s vital to “contemplate and look back and reflect on why it was allowed to happen, how he was able to do this, and then learn from it” before “you can move on”. The Reckoning’s producers are working with many people whose lives were affected by Savile “to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect”.