EXCLUSIVE: Sam Brown vividly recalls her visceral reaction toSteve Coogan.
The BAFTA-winning actor was fresh from shooting a scene when he walked across a Cheshire graveyard in her direction.
As he was walking towards me, in my head I was thinking, No, go away.
Sam Brown in Netflix documentary ‘Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story’
I kept thinking, Go away.
Seemingly this wasnt kept in my head.
I was saying all of this [out loud] and didnt realize I was bloody saying it.
I was so embarrassed, she remembers.
It is difficult to overstate the shadow Savile casts over British history.
The BBC addressed these rumors this week, committing to broadcastThe Reckoningin 2023.
ReleasingThe Reckoningwill be the ultimate test of whether the BBC has done right by Saviles survivors.
The duo agreed to speak to Deadline without consulting the BBC.
It was important for them to take ownership and acceptance, she says.
Kevin Cook, who was abused by Savile on BBC premises, was equally enthusiastic.
Not all of Saviles victims share their views.
The broadcaster has said that retelling the story is in the public interest.
Watch it and you might be that one person whose opinion changes.
Neil [McKay] has been so supportive, she explains.
Weve been part of writing this story.
Communication has been constant, its a very open forum between the whole crew.
Thats the only way I will do these things now.
With Neil, I could not have asked for any better.
Cook also spoke of feeling supported.
They were really nice people.
Cook appeared unsure, however, as to whether his story will make the final cut.
You know more than me, he says after Deadline explains that his memories are likely to feature.
BBC insiders insist that the drama remains in post-production and is yet to be locked.
Its very difficult to watch, our source says.
Cook was among the first male victims to talk publically and has since recounted his story on numerous occasions.
Coogans performance is extraordinary.
He seems to morph into him, the source says.
It explains Browns involuntary physical response to seeing Coogan on set.
Oh my god, [he was] creepy, weird, awful, disgusting, she explains.
But that was difficult.
McKay has previously said survivors were allowed on set at their request and that appropriate safeguarding was in place.
Brown says she wanted to eyeball Coogan because it would make the experience of watchingThe Reckoningeasier.
He said it took him six months to make his decision, talking back and forth with friends.
He said everyone had a strong point of view on whether he should, Brown recalls.
Coogan has been contacted for comment.
He saidThe Reckoningwalks a tightrope but will ultimately vindicate itself because of McKays sensitive handling of his subject matter.
Brown and Cook suggest that their experiences are a testament to this.
Though, of course, the BBC is always going to come out culpable.
