The Reckoning on BBC: Cast, plot and how many episodes there are

A drama starring Steve Coogan as disgraced entertainer Jimmy Savile will conclude this week.

The actor and comedian has taken on the role of the prolific sex offender, whose crimes were uncovered after his death, in The Reckoning, a new four-part series which started last week.

The BBC true crime drama tells the story of how Savile came from a working-class background to become one of the biggest stars in television - featuring on shows including Top of the Pops and Jim'll Fix It. The series also focuses on the star’s years of sexual abuse and the impact he had on his victims, four of whom have waived their anonymity and feature in the show.

READ MORE: 'Jimmy Savile invited me in... then what he said chilled me'

Read more TV stories from the Manchester Evening News here.

A year after Savile's death at the age of 84 in 2011, it emerged that the entertainer had sexually abused hundreds of victims throughout his life, most of them children. The full extent of his crimes was revealed in Operation Yewtree’s report in 2013, which recorded 214 criminal offences committed by the presenter.

Savile is now believed to be one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders. A 2016 report into his abuse found staff at the BBC missed numerous opportunities to stop him.

The BBC said the creators have worked "closely with many people whose lives were impacted by Savile to ensure their stories are told with sensitivity and respect". Director Sandra Goldbacher said: “The Reckoning is a unique opportunity to give Savile’s survivors, the people who inspired this project, a voice."

The series was written by Neil McKay, whose other credits include BBC drama Four Lives about serial killer Stephen Port, and is being executive produced by Jeff