TONIGHT the first episode of new show The Reckoning is airing, and viewers have been left feeling 'sick' after seeing Steve Coogan playing Jimmy Savile.
The BBC drama follows the life and crimes of radio and TV show host Jimmy Savile, who was exposed as a paedophile after his death.
There are re-enactments of some of Savile's evil deeds shown in the show, as the producers work to expose how he was able to use celebrity connections to evade justice.
BBC chiefs were even planning to include a necrophilia scene, but cut it after Steve voiced how uncomfortable he was with acting it out.
Despite an effort from the show bosses to discourage voyeurism by refusing to show any of Savile's abuse to children on screen, viewers across the UK have been switching their tellies off in shock just minutes into the show.
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One person wrote: "Had to give up after 20 minutes of The Reckoning. Steve Coogan’s Savile impression is masterful but - it was just too icky in the end."
Another agreed: "I've stopped watching - it's not that it's bad - I just feel so damn uncomfortable. It's a difficult watch."
A third added: "It's only been on 15 mins and my skin is crawling. Horrendous, vulgar excuse for a man."
Others have been left sick to their stomachs by scenes showing Savile's ability to get young girls alone with him.
"I've only just started and I feel sick," shared one viewer near the start of the programme.
Someone seconded the sentiment, saying: "Can’t watch The Reckoning as it’s already making me sick."
Watchers tuning in to the first episode live have also been amazed and horrified by Steve Coogan's uncanny ability to portray Jimmy Savile.
One wrote: "Steve Coogan doing a fantastic job at making my skin crawl, f**king hell."
A disturbed viewer hit out: "I kind of wish Steve Coogan wasn't quite so convincing as Jimmy Savile. Seeing him walking & talking on screen like this is just…Stay dead please you vile piece of dogs**t."
