Steve Coogan defends controversial BBC drama The Reckoning

Steve Coogan has defended the BBC's controversial new drama The Reckoning in which he plays the shamed sexual predator Jimmy Savile. Coming soon: Steve Coogan has defended the BBC's controversial new drama The Reckoning in which he plays the shamed sexual predator Jimmy Savile 'I think that’s because Jimmy Savile played a trick on the entire nation so there’s a real feeling of antagonism about it,' Steve told hosts Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer. Predator: The actor, 56, appeared on Sunday Brunch to talk about the upcoming miniseries and said we need to look at individuals like Savile 'to prevent it happening again' Changes: Changes: Coogan previously explained in a statement the decision to play Savile was not one 'I took lightly' Steve continued: 'I’d go and talk to them as myself and go, "Hi, I’m Steve, I’m not Jimmy Savile, that’s who I’m going to play today". TV drama: Coogan, who famously portrays fictional comedic character Alan Partridge, added that he spoke to actors playing the victims to put them at ease 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'.