National Treasure’s Robbie Coltrane blasts BBC’s handling of police raid on Sir Cliff Richard’s home
He said it was "not for the BBC to publish the police business" and his heart went out to Sir Cliff during the police probe
ACTOR Robbie Coltrane has criticised the way the BBC treated Sir Cliff Richard over the historic sex abuse investigation.
The Scottish actor said he "feel[s] for him" after filming for a new Channel 4 drama where he plays a celebrity accused of rape.
Coltrane said it was "not for the BBC to publish the police business" and his heart went out to Sir Cliff during the police probe.
The singer has since made a formal complaint about the BBC over the 2014 raid on his Berkshire home, while he was away in Portugal.
The CPS decided not to charge the 75-year-old star following assault claims by four men.
But Sir Cliff has been described as "incandescent" after it emerged a second person has launched a challenge against the CPS' decision.
He is reportedly close to breaking point and refusing to eat over the allegations that follow him.
Coltrane told the: "It's not for the BBC to publish the police business. But they did.
"They filmed it from a helicopter. They filmed all the police cars turning up.
"Of course I feel for him. I feel for anyone who's innocent."
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Inspired by Operation Yewtree and the fall from grace of many famous faces arrested and charged with historic sexual abuse, the Channel 4 series - National Treasure - is set to continue the debate into the way these cases are handled.
Coltrane appears alongside Julie Walters in the drama, which starts on September 20.
The pair play husband and wife Paul and Mary Finchley, and said it was good to be able to work together again - often providing relief for each other during the intense and emotional scenes.
Paul, one half of a well known comedy duo, is accused of rape.
Coltrane added: "Without sounding pious it’s an important topic. Why wouldn’t I want to take the part?
"We want debate. It’s about making sure those who are guilty are caught, but also about making sure the victims are counselled and helped and even offered a few bob.
"I never knew anyone who’s been arrested. But day to day you’d open the papers and think, ‘Oh s***.’
"Sometimes I’d say, ‘Oh I always f***ing knew he was an a***.’ Other times you’d think, ‘He’s a nice bloke’.
"It’s like any criminal case. Sometimes the cops get it wrong."
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