Filming underway in Bolton for BBCs controversial Jimmy Saville drama The Reckoning

FILM crews have moved into Le Mans Crescent as filming gets underway for the BBC's controversial drama The Reckoning.

The mini-series will tell the story of how the former Jim'll Fix It star came from a working-class background to be one of the biggest stars in television.

Location managers warned local businesses, production crews would be in Bolton Town Centre and that some parking bays would be suspended for their vehicles and a cherry picker.

Filming is taking place inside the former magistrates court which is being lit up, and for once scene a small section of Le Mans Crescent will be in shot, meaning a stop and go operation will be in place to manage pedestrian traffic.

Filming for the four part drama will also take place all next week.

The drama is being filmed by ITV Studios by BBC One.

Steve Coogan has taken on the role of Saville.

He said: "To play Jimmy Savile was not a decision I took lightly.

"Neil McKay has written an intelligent script tackling sensitively a horrific story which, however harrowing, needs to be told."

Director Sandra Goldbacher said: "The Reckoning is a unique opportunity to give Savile's survivors, the people who inspired this project, a voice."

The new drama tracks the reviled television presenters life, from his working class origins to his final years, as his popularity waned while he tried to dispel rumours of his vile misconduct.

Savile died in 2011, 84, never facing consequences for his numerous crimes, although numerous allegations came to light about his sexual misconduct at the BBC.

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