My friend killed herself when she was just 15 after being abused by Jimmy Savile – I’m haunted by BBC’s The Reckoning
THE pal of a young woman who was abused by Jimmy Savile has revealed her devastation at the BBC's show - and how the star should have been caught sooner.
Parts of Claire McAlphine’s story were seen in episode two of the BBC's The Reckoning starring Steve Coogan.
And pal Kelly Gold has spoken to , saying she was devastated to be reminded of the star's horrifying reign of terror.
She revealed: "I watched the series and thought it was good and that they'd done a good job and handled it well.
"If they had a proper investigation at the time and took what Claire said seriously, he would've been caught a lot earlier."
Claire had been a regular in the Top of the Pops audience when she overdosed at just 15 in March 1971.
She left behind a diary detailing having sex with Jimmy Savile in a hotel.
The character, inspired by parts of Claire's story, has been renamed Sara and is being played by Tia Dutt.
Kelly added: "I don't know why they changed Claire's character to be Asian. Also they said she left a suicide note but Claire actually left a diary, naming more than just Savile."
However the BBC deny the character on the show is Clare - but say it does incorporate some of her story.
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A spokesman said: “Sara is not Claire McAlpine. We know many of Savile's victims were driven to thoughts of suicide and the drama has a duty to reflect the impact of his abuse in full.
“This fictional character has been portrayed sensitively and responsibly, and with the knowledge of Claire's family we have reflected elements of Claire's story in order to represent many more victims.
“The depiction of the BBC's response to the death of a vulnerable girl is rooted in fact - informed by the 1972 report by QC Brian Neill, as referenced in the Dame Janet Smith report - which was a significant missed opportunity by the BBC for effective safeguarding reform.”
The final two episodes of the show will be screened at 9pm next Monday and Tuesday (October 16 and 17, 2023).
However, if you want to watch all the episodes right now, the full boxset for The Reckoning is on the BBC iPlayer.