TV & Showbiz

The Reckoning – Steve Coogan makes viewers’ ‘skin crawl’ with chilling portrayal of Jimmy Savile

A very uncomfortable watch.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 9th October 2023

Viewers are already calling for Steve Coogan to be given awards for his portrayal of paedophile TV presenter Jimmy Savile.

The Middleton-born actor is best-known for his role as Alan Partridge, a spoof broadcasting personality.

But now the national treasure has taken on a very different role, starring in BBC’S crime drama series The Reckoning.

Coogan stars as disgraced presenter Jimmy Savile, and his portrayal has stunned and disturbed viewers.

People have said that he’s left them ‘chilled to the bone’ with his uncanny performance.

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Many have pointed out how impressive it is that such an established comedy actor can pivot to such a dark role.

Some people have also said that 55-year-old Coogan as Savile is making them feel ‘nauseous’ and making their ‘skin crawl’.

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And plenty are calling for him to receive an award, with one person posting on X: “Six minutes in; give Steve Coogan the BAFTA now. Absolutely chilled to the bone. #TheReckoning.”

Someone else said: “I wasn’t convinced this was a good idea but what a job Steve Coogan is doing, it sounds so much like Savile that it’s making my skin crawl just hearing his voice.”

One person posted: “Steve Coogan is absolutely outstanding in #thereckoning Bone chillingly accurate voice, mannerisms, etc. So convincing that I feel nauseous watching him.”

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Another wrote: “When a comedy hero like Steve Coogan takes on the role of a sinister paedophile, you can’t help but be nervous. Coogan’s portrayal is dark, toe curling and absolutely sickening. He’s absolutely smashing it.”

And someone else said: “It’s hard to believe this is the bloke who “was” Alan Partridge. Steve Coogan’s portrayal of Jimmy Savile is simply extraordinary. Chilling.”

Last year, The Reckoning was spotted filming in Bolton, Coogan transformed with bright blonde hair and dressed in the disgraced TV and radio presenter’s characteristic jester costume.

The town centre’s Le Mans Crescent – which has been a popular filming spot in recent years, with Peaky Blinders, Channel 4’s It’s A Sin, and the currently-airing BBC drama series Ridley Road all making use of the location – is believed to be doubling as Stoke Mandeville Hospital where Savile, who had full access to all parts of the hospital, sexually abused more than 50 people, including an eight-year-old child.

The BBC drama mini-series follows Savile through his early years as a DJ in the dance halls of Northern England, telling the story of how he rose from a working-class background to become one of the biggest stars in television, and the years of sexual abuse and the impact it had on his victims.

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Featured image: BBC

TV & Showbiz

Paul Scholes shares touching message over response to quitting punditry to look after his son

Danny Jones Danny Jones Paul Scholes is stepping away from punditry to look after his autistic son Aiden

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes recently announced that he has stepped away from football punditry and other media duties to look after his son, Aiden, and he has clearly been touched by the response to his deeply honest interview.

The former United star and England international has three children with his wife, Claire Frogratt, recently revealing that the two have sadly separated.

While his only daughter, Alicia – a thriving young netball player with London Pulse – and eldest son Arron (who runs the family’s self-titled Scholes Gym in Oldham) are both fully grown and in good health, Paul recently opened up about the challenges of looking after his youngest child, who has autism.

Aiden Scholes was diagnosed as autistic when he was just two and is largely non-verbal, meaning there are added difficulties not just when it comes to communicating but overall welfare. Opening in a fairly rare instance on a recent episode of The Overlap, the ex-midfielder is now putting all his focus on care.

Speaking with his old Man United teammates, including host Gary Neville and Roy Keane, as well as the rest of the panel, the 50-year-old retired pro and one-time manager turned pundit says that he recently made the conscious decision to put virtually everything else aside to put all of his efforts towards Aiden.

Put simply, he said, “I just decided everything I’m going to do is around Aiden.”

Of course, he went on to explain some of the important “routines” and obstacles in more detail during the sit-down, but even from the brief clip that went viral online, he’s been met with an incredible reaction on social media.

Sharing an update on his Instagram story, he went on to add: “Would just like to thank everyone for all your kind messages since The Overlap interview regarding Aiden – there’s been loads and tried to read as many as possible”, he said.

“The response from families (especially Dads) shows how much speaking about it helps so many… There was one quote from a parent in a similar position that’s just got me…”

The anonymous line he shared read: “My job is to stay alive one day longer than my son/daughter”. Truly tearjerking stuff.

Now 20, the Scholes family are a couple of decades into learning how best to meet Aiden’s additional needs, but Paul has admitted in the past that the climate was different back in the day.

The two have briefly discussed the subject in a past interview, but this is by far the most openly he’s discussed it publicly.

Neville himself said that his long-time friend, teammate, and fellow Class of ’92 graduate has always been a private person and didn’t talk to anyone about anything.

He signed off by urging people to enjoy the little things, like the weekend and having a few drinks – as well as wishing the best of luck to his beloved Salford City FC – but it can’t be overestimated how much his candid words have resonated with people all over the country.

You can see Paul Scholes’ most recent appearance on The Overlap in full down below.

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Featured Images — The Overlap (screenshots via YouTube)

TV & Showbiz

A live Shaun the Sheep stage show and circus is coming to Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones Shaun the Sheep live circus and stage show Manchester tickets

Brace yourselves, because one of the best fun-for-all-ages events is coming to Manchester: the official Shaun the Sheep stage and circus show is coming to Factory International.

This isn’t just one to keep the children entertained; we already know plenty of big kids who grew up on Shaun, Shirley, and the rest of the sheep are already thinking about grabbing tickets.

Created by Nick Park, the same man responsible for Wallace and Gromit, this live stage production and incredibly practical circus show of the beloved British cartoon is already critically acclaimed.

Now set to make its full European debut right here in our city, Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show teams up with leading performance company Circa to bring the TV show to life this winter.

‘It’s gonna be un-BAAA-leivable’.

Conceived not only by the award-winning minds at Aardman Animation, but the experienced performers at Circa, this ‘in the flesh’ (and wool) interpretation of the slapstick CBBC classic will not only delight younger audiences, but bring plenty of energy to keep the adults entertained too.

Promising a “live circus performance, simultaneously blurring the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus for a visual spectacle packed with wit”, you can expect acrobatics and circus skills.

Stunts will include the likes of tumbling, juggling, aerial hoop, aerial silks, trapeze, Spanish web and Chinese pole, just to name a few.

And, of course, there’ll be plenty of Aardman’s signature heartwarming comedy in W&G, Chicken Run, Arthur Christmas, Flushed Away and more.

Naturally, all the usual suspects will be on show to: Shaun, Bitzer, The Farmer and the rest of the Flock – and yes, in case the trailer didn’t give it away, they are people who are not just dressed up as adorable real-life lambs but bouncing, flipping and flying all over the stage.

Coming to Aviva Studios this festive period, it’ll be taking place in The Hall: one of the venue’s largest and most dynamic rooms, with the state-of-the-art building famously able to alter the size of individual stages and spaces depending on the event.

John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Circa and Aardman to present the European premiere of this fun-filled show at our home in Aviva Studios.

“Circa presents award-winning circus performances to audiences across the globe, and their collaboration with Aardman Studios creates a unique offering for families, circus fans and everyone who loves Shaun the Sheep“

Running from Tuesday, 11 December 2025 until Sunday, 4 January 2026, they’ve also ensured affordable admission from just £10; you can grab your tickets now.

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Featured Images — Press shots (supplied)

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