One of Savile’s victims features in the new show
Sam Brown, who was one of Jimmy Savile’s victims, has opened up about what it was like to star alongside Steve Coogan for the controversial new BBC drama, The Reckoning.
In the drama, Coogan plays the disgraced British DJ and personality, Jimmy Savile, who was later found out to be one of the most notorious paedophiles and sex offenders in history.
Sam, who was one of Savile’s many victims, revealed what it was like be a part of the show saying: “I don’t think I’m brave I use these opportunities for everyone that can’t. I thought I’m a bit invincible, and that it wouldn’t [affect me]. And everyone was saying to me, ‘Sam have you thought about how it’s gonna feel?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, no problem.’”
However when Sam saw Coogan in character as Savile she couldn’t take it anymore.
She said: “And then we were watching filming of a graveyard scene. [Steve as Savile] was walking towards us. Inside of my head was screaming, ‘Just give me a minute, give me a minute, give me a minute or step back’ in my head, not realising this was coming out of my mouth. I didn’t even know I was saying this.
“I just thought it was in my head. And then Steve said, ‘Sam I’m in dress, I’m in character, I’m not him, remember, I’m acting.’
“It took me a few minutes to be okay, but it was a weird thing because it came from inside of me, it wasn’t a conscious thought and I had to put my hands up and I was saying, ‘Stop.’ I didn’t even know I was doing it, I felt so embarrassed about that.”
Ed Balls then asked Sam: “How can you say you’re not brave? It’s so brave to put yourself through this for others.” Sam replied: “That’s not bravery, that’s my job because I feel strong enough.”
Sam concluded: “For all the people that are never going to say anything, they sit at home and turn over in their head how do they feel? Why are they reacting like this? Why are they parenting like that? Why did everyone hate on them as teenagers because people thought they were unruly? It’s them people that won’t tell anyone, but I want them to know, that’s all really normal.”
Related links:
- Viewers praise Steve Coogan’s performance as Jimmy Savile
- Ex-cop who exposed Jimmy Savile looking to bring down ‘untouchable’ sex offender
- Prince Charles asked paedophile Jimmy Savile for help with royal family image
