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BBC Jimmy Savile Top of the Pops

BBC apologises as footage of Jimmy Savile ‘groping’ a girl appears in Top Of The Pops compilation

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By Jennifer Faull, Deputy Editor

September 21, 2014 | 2 min read

The BBC has apologised after footage of Jimmy Savile apparently groping a young woman appeared in a Top Of The Pops compilation show which aired on BBC2 on 13 September.

While showing ‘vintage hits’ from the 1970s and 80s, Savile is seen during a performance by The Mixtures.

Speaking to a woman, he appears to brush her top with his hand.

After receiving complaints from seven viewers, the BBC removed the content from BBC iPlayer and issued an apology.

A spokesman said: “‘We have reviewed references to Jimmy Savile across archive footage, including a number which were brought to our attention. Where the material is likely to cause offence to his victims it is removed.

"Although all programmes are reviewed before broadcast, unfortunately this brief appearance was missed. It was removed from iPlayer as soon as we were made aware and replaced with a re-edited version. We apologise for any distress caused.”

Last year, the BBC received over 200 complaints after an episode of the children's programme The Tweenies "featured a character dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile.”

Following the complaints, David Reviews co-founder Jason Stone questioned how feasible it was to expect the BBC to remove every single reference or piece of footage of Savile from its archives.

BBC Jimmy Savile Top of the Pops

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