'The Reckoning' producer has insisted it's important to "explore stories like Jimmy Savile" on television.
The Reckoning producers have defended the controversial Jimmy Savile drama
The upcoming BBC drama - which starts airing on BBC from Monday (09.10.23) - tells the harrowing true story of the abuse carried out by the disgraced, late entertainer with Steve Coogan in the lead role, but some people have criticised the show for the idea turning his horrific crimes into a fictional series.
However, executive producer Jeff Pope argued to the Radio Times magazine: "My view is that the quickest way to invite something like this to happen again is to ignore it.
"I passionately believe we have to explore stories like Savile.
"The same is true with Fred West, Myra Hindley and Ian Brady. The theme of a lot of stuff that Neil and I do is that it’s a warning from the past."
Pope has reunited with writer Neil McKay for the project, having previously worked together on true crime dramas like 'See No Evil: The Moors Murders' and 'Appropriate Adult'.
Neil insisted there is merit to turning a heinous true story such as Savile - who was exposed as a paedophile after his death in 2011 - rather than a documentary.
He explained: "I think what drama can do – which documentaries can’t – is put you right in the middle of these scenes.
"Savile started out as a dance-hall DJ in Manchester. And DJs enjoy controlling a room.
"I think he was a con man. What we try to show is how, in successive institutions – Leeds General Infirmary, the pop business, the BBC, eventually Margaret Thatcher’s private office and beyond – the mechanics of Savile’s con worked. That’s what I think only drama can give you."
'Alan Partridge' actor Coogan has also defended the series, and urged its critics to watch before they "judge it".
He added: "By not talking about it, you don’t get to the nub of that and if you don’t look at it, you’re destined for those things to happen again."
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