The Reckoning viewers ‘switch off after ten minutes’ as harrowing abuse scenes prove ‘too much to stomach’

THE Reckoning viewers 'switched off after ten minutes' as harrowing abuse scenes proved 'too much to stomach'.

The BBC drama returned for its second episode last night, and once again saw Steve Coogan portray radio and TV show host Jimmy Savile, who was exposed as a paedophile after his death.

At the height of his fame thanks to shows like Jim'll Fix It and Top of the Pops, Savile's influence at the BBC and other institutions meant he could carry out his depraved acts without fear of retribution.

The episode also explored the impact of his appalling crimes on his innocent victims and the difficulties the people who tried to raise the alarm faced.

While some viewers were full of praise for Steve's portrayal, others were struggling to watch the disturbing and traumatic events unfold.

Taking to X - formerly Twitter - one viewer wrote: "Did any of you watch the #Savile programme? I tried but had to switch off.. too much. #TheReckoning.

"I was about 10/15 minutes in and had to switch off."

Someone else replied: "Didn’t even try. I knew I wouldn’t be able to stomach it."

Another tweeted: "#TheReckoning is a gripping yet disturbing watch."

Praising Steve's portrayal, one viewer shared: "Stephen Coogan deserves a BAFTA for his portrayal of Jimmy Savile #TheReckoning."

Another added: "@BBCOneDrama Got to say #SteveCoogan is incredible in #TheReckoning.

"I wonder if he found it hard to accept the role of such an evil character as #JimmySavile? I can't imagine anyone else carrying it off so successfully. Well done #BBCDrama, well done #SteveCoogan."

The Reckoning airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.