The BBC apologised after airing a repeat of childrens’ television programme The Tweenies in which a character dressed as disgraced presenter Jimmy Savile hosts a Top of the Pops-style show.
The episode, filmed in 2001, was shown shortly before 9.00am on children’s channel CBeebies.
In the programme, one of the characters dresses up in a white wig and tracksuit and adopts Savile’s distinctive speaking style while presenting a pop music programme.
A BBC spokesman said: “This morning CBeebies broadcast a repeat of an episode of The Tweenies, originally made in 2001, featuring a character dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile.
“This programme will not be repeated and we are very sorry for any offence caused.”
A police report recently branded Savile, who died in 2011 aged 84, as one of the country’s worst ever sex offenders who abused more than 200 victims over 60 years.
BBC apologises over Tweenies Savile gaffe
