BBC apologises for Savile impersonation on children’s show
Max, the character on the CBeebies programme, used the disgraced presenter’s catchphrases and wore one of Savile’s trademark tracksuits topped off with a blond wig and gold jewellery. He went on to sing a song called ‘One Finger, One Thumb’.
Max speaks in a Yorkshire accent, similar to that of the disgraced presenter
The episode was broadcast yesterday before 9am, prompting dozens of outraged parents to contact the BBC to condemn the corporation for showing a “sickening” programme.
The episode featured Max presenting a Top Of The Pops-style programme and uttering the paedophile’s catchphrase: “Now then, guys and gals.”
The episode was filmed in 2001.
A corporation spokesman said: “This morning, CBeebies broadcast a repeat of an episode of The Tweenies, originally made in 2001, featuring a character dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile.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.”
Twitter users picked up on the gaffe.
Kenny Senior wrote: “Are BBC trying to self-destruct? Max from Tweenies dressed as Jimmy Savile just now nearly chokes on my cornflakes.”
Concerned father Mark Roberts said: “The complete lack of quality control the BBC have over their programming was absolutely sickening.
“The song he introduced just makes everything worse. Somebody at the BBC should get fired for this.
“The song title was just the icing on the cake of inappropriateness.”
Rachael Mills, from Bournemouth, tweeted: “Can’t believe in tweenies on cbeebies today a character was impersonating saville in parody of totp!!! What is the bbc thinking?”
A recent Metropolitan Police report into allegations of sexual abuse against Savile, who died in 2011 aged 84, concluded he was a “prolific, predatory sex offender” who abused more than 200 people over a 60-year period.
