BBC pulls shows featuring Savile

The BBC has announced it is to pull any programmes featuring the late Sir Jimmy Savile from its schedules.

The corporation has made the decision following allegations that Savile sexually abused young women, including claims that he abused girls at BBC Television Centre.

Two classic editions of Top of the Pops hosted by Savile and a repeat of the documentary The Story of Light Entertainment which features the DJ and television broadcaster are among the shows to be pulled.

BBC Four has been broadcasting archive episodes of Top of the Pops over the past 18 months starting in 1976 with Savile being seen in several editions including a recently screened festive offering.

The radio host launched TOTPs in January 1964 from studios in Manchester. Going on to host several other programmes for BBC One including children’s series Jim’ll Fix It that ran for 21 years.

Last night an ITV documentary which looked into the claims about Savile’s apparent darker side was watched by an audience of 1.7 million viewers.

A plaque at the home of the deceased star was recently vandalised.