British Actor, Steve Coogan, discusses his decision-making for taking on the controversial role of serial sex offender, Jimmy Savile, in the new BBC factual drama, The Reckoning. 

The comedian hopes that viewers of the show will "listen to victims and survivors" to avoid history repeating itself.

The Reckoning is a four-part series that will explore Savile's journey to becoming a prominent television personality, along with his history of sexual abuse and the effects it had on his victims. The series features four individuals who have chosen to share their experiences and have waived their anonymity.

When asked about what he wishes people to learn from the series, Coogan shared: "The point that I hope people will take away is that they learn to listen to victims and survivors and learn to take these things seriously."

He continues, "If you treat people with respect and we act together then you can avoid something like this from happening in the future."

He mentions that the series, written by Neil McKay, reflects how those who knew about Savile or were victims of his crimes had "ostensibly low status... who couldn’t change things".

"The people who could have made things better were people in positions of power, and they are more culpable than the people who did not wield that power," he added.

The actor assures that the four-part series was done in an "ethical, responsible way" and that, "drama can capture things in a more nuanced, detailed way that is more illuminating than a straightforward documentary, of which there have been many. We’ve seen the power that a well-made, factual drama can have."

He continues, "I feel this series is a really strong piece of work and that all the people involved in it – survivors, cast and crew – should be proud with the job that’s been done."

The full extent of Savile's crimes only came to light after his death in 2011. He is now widely considered one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders.

The first episode of The Reckoning will air tonight, October 9 on the BBC.