Actor Steve Coogan has spoken candidly about filming BBC’s The Reckoning and confessed he was glad it “came to an end”.
The 58-year-old appeared on BBC Breakfast on Saturday (October 28) to discuss the portrayal of his infamous character Alan Patridge. But presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt also quizzed him on his recent role where he portrayed shamed TV personality and pedophile, Jimmy Savile.
The drama which aired earlier this month, gave viewers insight into how Jimmy rose to television stardom. But it also gave a harrowing look into the atrocities and crimes he committed while working at the BBC.
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Sharing his thoughts on playing the role of Jimmy and how it affected him, Steve said: “I was very pleased on the last day of filming as I thought I would never have to dress like him again.”
Chiming in, Naga then asked him about shaving his head for the part. Steve said: “I had to shave my head for the process, that’s how long it was, thankfully it grew back” he explained while touching his hair.
He continued: “Yeah I had to shave my hair for three months just because they said if you shave your head- because the makeup took two to three hours when I was playing him as an old man. So they said if you shave your head, it will save you an hour in the chair.
(Image: BBC)
“So I thought one hour less being that person is welcome. But you’re right Charlie, it was very difficult sometimes.”
The star also spoke about the young actors he had to work alongside in the programme. He said: “There were a lot of young actors playing victims, young women and I was very cognisant between takes to be Steve Coogan again, as quickly as possible.”
Since The Reckoning aired, viewers have shared their take on the series. One spectator took to X, formerly known as Twitter and wrote: “Just watched the Jimmy Saville programme #thereckoning. So well done. Those victims were so brave to stand up. How was it allowed to happen?”
While another penned: “What a remarkable piece of television #TheReckoning is – brilliantly performed by Steve Coogan – not enjoyable but compelling – hopefully we live in a more transparent world. How did we allow this monster to prosper?”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
