BBC apologises after Saville clip shown

The BBC has apologised after a brief clip of disgraced DJ Jimmy Savile was shown during a Top Of The Pops highlights show.

The footage was seen on Top Of The Pops 2 on BBC2 earlier this month.

A BBC spokeswoman said: “Although all programmes are reviewed before broadcast, unfortunately this brief appearance was missed. It was removed from iPlayer as soon as we were made aware and replaced with a re-edited version. We apologise for any distress caused.”

The BBC has a policy of removing archive footage of Savile “where the material is likely to cause offence to his victims”.

Its review into how he carried out his campaign of sexual abuse over decades while working for the BBC has heard from hundreds of witnesses.

It is expected to uncover hundreds of victims targeted by Savile and reveal a culture of ignorance which protected him.

A parallel review, being carried out into Stuart Hall’s behaviour while at the corporation, will form part of the final report.

A statement on the review’s website said it had contacted “approximately 740 people”.

It went on: “In connection with the investigation into Jimmy Savile, the review has had over 350 telephone conversations with witnesses (all of which have been noted) and almost 190 witness interviews have taken place. In addition, in relation to the investigation into Stuart Hall, the review has had over 100 noted telephone conversations with witnesses and a further 31 witness interviews have taken place.

“While the review is nearing the end of its work, it continues to conduct interviews and to receive relevant evidence. The review expects that its report will be finalised before the end of the year. When a publication date is known, a further update will be provided.”

Liz Dux, an abuse lawyer at Slater and Gordon which is representing 174 of Savile's victims, said: "You can't underestimate the amount of distress Savile's victims will have suffered if they have seen this.

"It is a constant reminder of what they have been through. Many of them still await the findings of the BBC inquiry and a resolution to questions that have been ongoing for nearly two years. Seeing something like this reawakens their suffering."