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.”
It’s hard to believe this is the bloke who “was” Alan Partridge.
Steve Coogan’s portrayal of Jimmy Saville is simply extraordinary.
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.
Channel 4 needs adult virgins with ‘intimacy issues’ for next series of hit reality show
Emily Sergeant
Channel 4 is back looking for more adult virgins to take part in the potential next series of its hit reality show Virgin Island.
If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Island, it’s unlike anything ever seen on TV before.
First hitting screens back in 2024 and having run for two successful seasons now, Virgin Island follows the journey of a group of adult virgins who are whisked off to a Mediterranean island retreat to learn life-changing skills in the art of intimacy.
Working with leading international therapists, the aim is to help the young people overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex.
Channel 4 said it chose to commission the show after a recent study into intimacy found out that one in eight British 26-year-olds is, apparently, still a virgin.
A casting call for the new series on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex? Double Act Productions is casting adults for a potential second series of Virgin Island.”
You just need to be over 21 years of age to take part in the show.
Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for the potential next series of Virgin Island are now open, and there’s still plenty of time left to put your name down.
You can find out more and register your interest here.
Featured Image – Channel 4
TV & Showbiz
Aitch wells up in trailer for inspiring Netflix documentary about Kilimanjaro charity climb
Danny Jones
Mancunian musician Aitch has shared a brand-new trailer for his upcoming Netflix documentary charting his inspiring charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tissues at the ready.
In case you missed it, the Manchester rapper took on the incredible challenge of summiting the highest peak in Africa last year, all on behalf of the Down’s Syndrome Association.
Sharing the first true glimpse at his moving mountain voyage, the Moston-born artist looks to reveal all in this candid chronicling of his fundraising feat.
Writing in the caption, the 26-year-old said: “Gracie, this is for you and the 40,000 other beautiful people just like you. Don’t Be Afraid!”
For anyone unaware of the context, a couple of years back, Aitch – Harrison James Armstrong, to give the Manc his full given name – announced that he would be embarking on the difficult journey that only 40-60% of trekkers ever successfully reach the top.
Beloved by upwards of 3.1 million followers across his various social media platforms, Grace has become a bit of a community icon and hero all of her own.
Here he is video calling her before his most recent challenge:
They have such a lovely bond.
The inspiration for the 2022 track ‘My G’ with Ed Sheeran on his debut album, Close to Home, the song itself also ended up serving as a significant fundraiser, going on to complete a skydive over Old Sarum airfield with his dad, Mike.
A few clips have been shared on Aitch’s YouTube channel since he first confirmed he would be taking on ‘Kili’, such as his altitude training and other glimpses behind the scenes, but until now, we’ve seen very little footage from the infamous trail itself.
Set to drop later this month, Aitch’s Kilimanjaro doc, entitled Don’t Be Afraid, is releasing on Netflix on Sunday, 26 July – which also just so happens to be ‘Manchester Day‘; we’ll be making sure we don’t miss either of them.
He’s not the only local lad taking on huge obstacles for a good cause.
Daisy Jackson -
9th October 2023 
