Alistair McGowan will appear as Jimmy Savile in a London play.

Alistair McGowan

Alistair McGowan

The TV impressionist has signed up for the production's month-long run this summer, which will be an on-stage depiction of the disgraced entertainer's shocking sex abuse scandal.

The former 'Top of the Pops' host died at the age of 84 in 2011, with hundreds of victims coming forward to reveal they had been abused by the star following his death, making him one of Britain's most prolific sex offenders.

The production - which runs from June 10 until July 11 at Park Theatre in north London - will see Alistair portray the late star's "dark, nasty side," according to writer Jonathan Maitland, who praised the "terrific" award-winning impressionist for taking on the controversial role.

Despite the raw nature of the show, Jonathan insisted it would be "giving a voice to the victims" and said they would not be "making jokes," instead saying he believes "people are ready" to learn about the extent of Jimmy Savile's abuse.

He told The Guardian newspaper: "It is one of the biggest stories of the last five years.

"It has changed everything; it has changed the way we look at abuse, it has changed the way we prosecute it, it has changed attitudes towards it, the way we treat the survivors of it.

"What person would not want to explore what kicked it off?"


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