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| BBC receives 216 complaints for Tweenies Jimmy Savile spoof | |
| (34 minutes later) | |
| The BBC has received 216 complaints about an episode of The Tweenies, in which a character appeared dressed as disgraced TV presenter Jimmy Savile. | |
| The programme, which was filmed in 2001, was shown on CBeebies before 09:00 GMT on Sunday. | |
| In the scene, the character Max appeared in a blonde wig, wearing Savile's trademark tracksuits and using his accent and catchphrases. | In the scene, the character Max appeared in a blonde wig, wearing Savile's trademark tracksuits and using his accent and catchphrases. |
| Thirty-four people also contacted the BBC to comment on the programme. | |
| A spokesperson for the BBC said the majority of the complaints were made immediately after the programme was broadcast. | |
| Police say DJ and presenter Savile sexually abused hundreds of people during 60 years in entertainment. | Police say DJ and presenter Savile sexually abused hundreds of people during 60 years in entertainment. |
| Apologising for the sketch, the BBC said: "This morning CBeebies broadcast a repeat of an episode of the Tweenies, originally made in 2001, featuring a character dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile.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." | |
| Media watchdog Ofcom said it was assessing whether any broadcasting rules have been broken, but was not currently investigating. | |
| It is understood that the regulator received "tens, rather than hundreds" of complaints about the episode. | |
| The episode featured the character Max presenting a Top Of The Pops-style programme. He was wearing a wig and used Savile's familiar catchphrase: "Now then, guys and gals." | The episode featured the character Max presenting a Top Of The Pops-style programme. He was wearing a wig and used Savile's familiar catchphrase: "Now then, guys and gals." |
| The gaffe was picked up by fans on social networking sites such as Twitter. | The gaffe was picked up by fans on social networking sites such as Twitter. |
| Glenn Ebrey tweeted: "Dear CBeebies, I'm not sure this was a good choice of DJ to impersonate on The Tweenies today." | Glenn Ebrey tweeted: "Dear CBeebies, I'm not sure this was a good choice of DJ to impersonate on The Tweenies today." |
| Kenny Senior wrote "Are BBC trying to self destruct? Max from Tweenies dressed as Jimmy Savile just now nearly chokes on my cornflakes." | Kenny Senior wrote "Are BBC trying to self destruct? Max from Tweenies dressed as Jimmy Savile just now nearly chokes on my cornflakes." |
| A recent Metropolitan police report into allegations of sexual abuse against Savile, who died in 2011 aged 84, concluded the presenter and DJ was a "prolific, predatory sex offender" who abused more than 200 people over a 60-year period. | A recent Metropolitan police report into allegations of sexual abuse against Savile, who died in 2011 aged 84, concluded the presenter and DJ was a "prolific, predatory sex offender" who abused more than 200 people over a 60-year period. |
| The Tweenies, which was a co-production between Tell-Tale Productions and the BBC was cancelled in 2003 but episodes have been repeated regularly since then. | The Tweenies, which was a co-production between Tell-Tale Productions and the BBC was cancelled in 2003 but episodes have been repeated regularly since then. |
| Episodes mixed stories, song and creative activities aimed at helping children to learn through play. | Episodes mixed stories, song and creative activities aimed at helping children to learn through play. |