BBC apologises after airing children’s TV show that parodied Jimmy Savile

Published on 20/01/2013 15:29

THE BBC has issued an apology after showing an episode of children’s programme the Tweenies in which one of the characters appeared dressed as Jimmy Savile.

The show, aired before 9 o’clock this morning, showed one of the characters, Max, wearing a white tracksuit and blonde wig whilst repeating Savile’s ‘now then, guys and gals’ catchphrase.

The episode featured a Top of the Pops-style programme which the character was presenting.

A spokesman for the BBC said: “This morning, CBeebies broadcast a repeat of an episode of the Tweenies, originally made in 2001, featuring a character dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile.

“This programme will not be repeated and we are very sorry for any offence caused.”

A report by the Metropolitan Police into allegations of sexual abuse against the former DJ stated he was a “prolific, predatory sex offender” who abused over 200 people over a 60-year period.