Alan Partridge actor Steve Coogan is set to play Jimmy Savile in a new BBC drama.
The Reckoning will tell the story of the Jim'll Fix It and Top of the Pops presenter's life and the abuse scandal that emerged after his death.
Producers have worked with those impacted by Savile's crimes to tell the story with "sensitivity and respect".
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The show been written by Neil McKay - who was behind Appropriate Adult, a drama about serial killer Fred West.
After Savile's death it was revealed he repeatedly sexually abused children. A review later found there were 72 victims of Savile in connection with his work at the BBC alone, including eight who were raped.
Coogan said he had not taken the decision to play Savile "lightly".
He said: "To play Jimmy Savile was not a decision I took lightly. Neil McKay has written an intelligent script tackling sensitively an horrific story which - however harrowing - needs to be told."
However, some TV viewers took to social media to express their discomfort with a TV show about Savile.
A Twitter user by the name of Bectora wrote: "It's a great bit of casting, but I'm uncomfortable with this story being told with Saville at the centre. Time will tell..."
Another using the name Sallytwoshoes posted: "This feels like a TV drama that just doesn’t need making. Makes me sick to my stomach."
Victoria Smith wrote: "Bit sick of murderers and child sex abusers being described as having "complex" characters, tbh."
However, executive producer Jeff Pope says the drama will be handled with "care and integrity".
"The purpose of this drama is to explore how Savile's offending went unchecked for so long, and in shining a light on this, to ensure such crimes never happen again," he said.
"Steve Coogan has a unique ability to inhabit complex characters and will approach this role with the greatest care and integrity."
McKay and Pope also worked on Moorside, a show about the disappearance of Shannon Matthews.
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