ACTOR Steve Coogan has cancelled a string of book signings after his Jimmy Savile BBC drama aired.
Insiders said his team were concerned over a possible backlash to the four-parter.
He was due to sign copies of his Alan Partridge autobiography this week, while in character as Alan.
But there were fears the comedy might jar with fans so soon after the Savile drama with Coogan, 57, playing the paedophile DJ and TV star.
The Reckoning tells the story of sex abuser Savile’s rise to fame and the aftermath of his death in 2011, aged 84, which saw hundreds of his victims come forward.
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A source said: “Steve’s team were aware of the highly sensitive nature of the BBC drama and how it could jar with him getting into character as Alan for his book.
“No one wants to cause a stir.”
Waterstones confirmed the cancelled signings.
He had been due to appear in London yesterday but will now do two sessions on one day in London and Manchester on October 28.
Coogan’s representative insisted it was all down to a scheduling clash.
They said: “Due to a demanding rehearsal schedule for his next film, the book signings will now begin later this month in line with Steve’s availability.”
