History of Jimmy Savile in Timeline
Sir Jimmy Savile was an English media personality and DJ known for hosting BBC's Top of the Pops and Jim'll Fix It. Famous for his eccentric persona and philanthropy, he was widely respected during his lifetime. However, after his death, hundreds of sexual abuse allegations surfaced, leading police to identify him as a predatory sex offender, potentially one of Britain's most prolific. Despite allegations arising during his life, they were disregarded, and accusers were ignored or disbelieved.
October 1926: Birth of Jimmy Savile
Jimmy Savile was born in October 1926, in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, the youngest of seven children in a Roman Catholic family.
1929: Twin Turntables Illustrated in BBC Handbook
Contrary to Savile's claim, twin turntables were already illustrated in the BBC Handbook in 1929, predating his alleged first use.
1931: Twin Turntables Advertised in Gramophone Magazine
Further evidence against Savile's claim, twin turntables were advertised for sale in Gramophone magazine in 1931.
1947: Grand Records Ball DJ Set
Savile claimed to be the first DJ to use two turntables and a microphone at the Grand Records Ball in 1947, though this claim is disputed.
1951: Participation in the Tour of Britain Cycle Race
Savile participated in the 1951 Tour of Britain cycle race, demonstrating his athletic pursuits.
1953: Death of Jimmy Savile's Father
Jimmy Savile's father, Vincent Joseph Savile, passed away in 1953.
1955: Start of Alleged Abuse
According to the joint report by the NSPCC and Metropolitan Police, the earliest reported incidents of abuse by Savile date back to 1955, marking the beginning of a decades-long pattern of predatory behavior.
1955: Managing the Palais Dance Hall
From 1955 to 1956, Savile managed the Mecca-owned Palais dance hall in Ilford, Essex.
1956: Leaving the Palais Dance Hall
Savile's tenure as the manager of the Palais dance hall in Ilford, Essex ended in 1956.
1957: The Vintage Chart Show Features 1957 Charts
Savile's The Vintage Chart Show, which ran from 1987 to 1989, featured top tens from various years, including 1957.
1958: Radio Luxembourg Debut
Jimmy Savile kicked off his radio career as a DJ at Radio Luxembourg in 1958.
1958: Beginning of Radio Luxembourg Career
Savile's time as a DJ on Radio Luxembourg, where his career flourished, began in 1958.
1958: First Police Investigation
The earliest known police investigation into allegations against Savile took place in 1958.
May 1960: Television Debut with "Young at Heart"
In May 1960, Jimmy Savile made his first television appearance as the presenter of "Young at Heart", a music program on Tyne Tees Television.
1960: Tyne Tees Television Debut
In 1960, Savile began his television career at Tyne Tees Television.
1963: First Allegations of Child Abuse
The first known allegations of child abuse against Savile surfaced in 1963.
1964: Start of Top of the Pops Hosting
In 1964, Jimmy Savile began hosting the BBC music chart show "Top of the Pops," which catered to a teenage audience. He would continue in this role for 20 years.
1964: Hosting the First "Top of the Pops"
Jimmy Savile hosted the inaugural episode of "Top of the Pops" in 1964, a popular BBC music chart program, broadcast from Dickenson Road Studios in Manchester.
1964: Top of the Pops Debut
Savile's long run as a presenter on the BBC music show Top of the Pops started in 1964.
1968: Departure from Radio Luxembourg
After a successful stint, Savile left his DJ position at Radio Luxembourg in 1968.
1968: Move to BBC Radio 1
Savile joined BBC Radio 1 in 1968, hosting various shows, including Savile's Travels.
December 1969: Hosting "Pop Go the Sixties"
Savile hosted "Pop Go the Sixties", a BBC/ZDF co-production aired across Western Europe, celebrating the decade's musical hits, in December 1969.
1969: Start of Speakeasy on Radio 1
Savile began presenting Speakeasy, a program for teenagers, on Radio 1 in 1969.
January 1970: First Appearance on "This Is Your Life"
Savile was the featured subject on the Thames Television series "This Is Your Life" in January 1970, hosted by Eamonn Andrews.
1971: Savile vs. Street Wrestling Match
In 1971, Jimmy Savile participated in a wrestling match against Adrian Street, during which he was hit with real blows by Street.
1971: Awarded the OBE
Savile's contributions were recognized with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 1971.
1972: Death of Jimmy Savile's Mother
Jimmy Savile's mother Agnes Monica Kelly, passed away in 1972.
1973: Launch of "Clunk, Click" Show
Following the success of his road safety campaign "Clunk Click Every Trip," Savile's Saturday night chat/variety show, "Clunk, Click," premiered on BBC One in 1973.
1973: Launch of The Double Top Ten Show
Savile premiered The Double Top Ten Show, a show that featured old charts, on Radio 1 in 1973.
1974: Publication of "As it Happens"
In 1974, Savile's autobiography, "As it Happens," was published, containing admissions of inappropriate sexual behavior that seemingly went unnoticed during his lifetime.
1974: Hosting UK Heats of Eurovision on "Clunk, Click"
In 1974, Savile's show "Clunk, Click" featured the UK heats for the Eurovision Song Contest, with Olivia Newton-John among the performers.
1974: Honorary President of Phab
Savile became the honorary president of Phab (Physically Handicapped in the Able Bodied community) in 1974, a position he held until 1988.
1975: Life Member of the British Gypsy Council
Breaking boundaries, Savile became the first non-gypsy to be granted life membership in the British Gypsy Council in 1975.
1975: Launch of Jim'll Fix It
In 1975, Savile began hosting Jim'll Fix It, a show where he helped fulfill the wishes of viewers, mainly children.
1976: Reprint of Autobiography as "Love is an Uphill Thing"
Savile's autobiography, originally titled "As it Happens," was reprinted in 1976 under the title "Love is an Uphill Thing."
1977: Award from National Viewers' and Listeners' Association
Savile received an award from Mary Whitehouse's National Viewers' and Listeners' Association in 1977, recognizing his contributions to "wholesome family entertainment".
October 1978: John Lydon's Censored Interview
John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) of the Sex Pistols alluded to inappropriate behavior by Savile and its alleged cover-up during a BBC Radio 1 interview. His comments were edited out before broadcast.
1981: Margaret Thatcher Praises Savile's Work
In 1981, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher praised Jimmy Savile's charity work as "marvellous."
1981: Establishment of the Jimmy Savile Stoke Mandeville Hospital Trust
Savile established the Jimmy Savile Stoke Mandeville Hospital Trust in 1981, marking his dedication to supporting the hospital.
1984: Foundation of the Jimmy Savile Charitable Trust
In 1984, Savile founded the Jimmy Savile Charitable Trust based in Leeds, further expanding his philanthropic endeavors.
1984: Membership in the Athenaeum
Savile was accepted as a member of the prestigious Athenaeum, a gentlemen's club in London, in 1984, having been proposed by Cardinal Basil Hume.
March 1987: Start of The Vintage Chart Show
Savile started hosting The Vintage Chart Show on the BBC World Service in March 1987.
1987: Departure from BBC Radio 1
After nearly two decades, Savile's time hosting shows for BBC Radio 1 came to an end in 1987.
1987: Jerry Sadowitz's Censored Comedy Album
Scottish comedian Jerry Sadowitz's stand-up comedy album, "Gobshite," was pulled back due to concerns about legal repercussions after he made allegations about Savile being a pedophile.
January 1988: Article Published in "News of the World"
In January 1988, the "News of the World" published an article that implied Savile had used his influence to secure the release of potentially dangerous patients from Broadmoor.
August 1988: Appointment as Chair of Broadmoor Hospital Task Force
Savile was appointed chair of an interim task force for Broadmoor Hospital in August 1988 by Edwina Currie, following the suspension of the hospital's board.
1988: End of Regular Top of the Pops Appearances
After a long and successful run, Savile's time as a regular presenter on Top of the Pops ended in 1988.
1988: End of Term as Phab's Honorary President
In 1988, Savile's time as the honorary president of Phab came to an end.
March 1989: Return to Radio Broadcasting
Savile returned to radio in March 1989, broadcasting across various stations in the UK.
July 1989: Legal Victory Against News Group Newspapers
Savile won a legal case against News Group Newspapers in July 1989 regarding an article published in the "News of the World" that suggested he had improperly influenced the release of patients from Broadmoor.
October 1989: End of The Vintage Chart Show
Savile's run hosting The Vintage Chart Show on the BBC World Service concluded in October 1989.
1989: Savile Advises Prince Charles
In 1989, Jimmy Savile provided Prince Charles with unofficial guidelines on how the royal family should manage public relations, particularly during crises.
December 1990: Second Appearance on "This Is Your Life"
In December 1990, Savile made his second appearance on "This Is Your Life", this time with Michael Aspel as the host.
1990: Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II
In 1990, Jimmy Savile was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, receiving the honor for his charitable work.
1990: Lynn Barber Interviews Savile
In an interview with Lynn Barber for The Independent on Sunday, Savile responded to rumors about his interest in young girls, attributing it to his connections in the music industry and downplaying any personal interest.
1991: Interview for "In the Psychiatrist's Chair"
Savile participated in an interview with Anthony Clare for the radio series "In the Psychiatrist's Chair" in 1991, where he was perceived as unemotional.
1992: Publication of "In the Psychiatrist's Chair" Transcript
Anthony Clare's introduction to the published transcript of his 1991 interview with Savile, released in 1992, described Savile as "a man without feelings" and a "chilling" figure.
1994: End of Jim'll Fix It
After a successful run, Jim'll Fix It, the show where Jimmy Savile helped viewers' wishes come true, aired its final episode in 1994.
1994: Chris Morris's Fake Obituary
Chris Morris aired a fake obituary for Savile on BBC Radio 1 in 1994, leading to threats of legal action from Savile and an apology from Morris.
1995: Interview on "Is This Your Life?"
Savile was interviewed by Andrew Neil for the TV series "Is This Your Life?" in 1995, where he notably avoided discussing his personal life.
August 1997: Savile Undergoes Heart Surgery
In August 1997, Jimmy Savile underwent a triple heart bypass surgery at Killingbeck Hospital in Leeds after acknowledging the need for the operation for several years.
August 1997: End of UK Radio Broadcasts
Savile's return to radio broadcasting on various UK stations came to an end in August 1997.
1998: Anonymous Letter to Honours Committee
In 1998, the Honours Committee received an anonymous letter warning about potential "reports of a paedophilia nature" that could emerge about Savile.
1999: Prince Charles Visits Savile's Home
In 1999, Prince Charles visited Jimmy Savile's home in Glen Coe for a private meal.
1999: Appearance on "Have I Got News for You"
Savile joined the panel on the comedy news quiz show "Have I Got News for You" in 1999.
April 2000: Documentary with Louis Theroux
In April 2000, a documentary about Savile, part of the "When Louis Met..." series, aired. In it, Savile admitted to past violence and addressed rumors of pedophilia.
April 2000: Louis Theroux's Documentary
In April 2000, a documentary by Louis Theroux titled "When Louis Met... Jimmy" featured Savile addressing rumors about pedophilia, which he denied.
December 2005: Christmas Special on Real Radio
Savile hosted a Christmas special on the Real Radio network in December 2005, playing festive top tens from previous decades.
January 2006: Appearance on "Celebrity Big Brother"
Savile made a special appearance on "Celebrity Big Brother" in January 2006, fulfilling wishes for some of the housemates.
July 2006: Co-hosting the Final Weekly "Top of the Pops"
Savile co-hosted the final weekly edition of "Top of the Pops" in July 2006, marking the end of an era for the iconic music program.
2006: Co-Presenting the Final Top of the Pops
Jimmy Savile returned to co-present the last-ever edition of Top of the Pops in 2006.
2006: Final "Top of the Pops" Appearance and Lochaber Highland Games
Savile's appearance on the last regular episode of "Top of the Pops" in 2006 was pre-recorded to avoid a clash with the Lochaber Highland Games, an event where he served as chieftain for many years.
January 2007: New Year's Show on Real Radio
Savile presented a New Year's show on the Real Radio network in January 2007, sharing anecdotes and playing records from his past.
2007: Police Interview Savile
In 2007, Savile was interviewed by police in connection with an allegation of indecent assault dating back to the 1970s. The allegation stemmed from his time visiting Duncroft Approved School for Girls.
2007: Return to Television with "Jim'll Fix It Strikes Again"
Savile returned to television in 2007 with "Jim'll Fix It Strikes Again," revisiting popular segments from his original show and granting new wishes.
March 2008: Savile Sues The Sun
March 2008 marked the beginning of legal action taken by Savile against The Sun newspaper, which had published articles associating him with child abuse at Haut de la Garenne, a children's home in Jersey. He initially denied visiting the home but later admitted to it when a photograph surfaced.
October 2009: Crown Prosecution Service Decision
In October 2009, the Crown Prosecution Service determined that there wasn't enough evidence to pursue further action against Savile based on the allegations of indecent assault from the 1970s at Duncroft Approved School for Girls.
2009: Crown Prosecution Service Drops Prosecution
In 2009, the Crown Prosecution Service made the decision to drop a prosecution against Savile, deeming it unlikely to succeed. This decision came under scrutiny following the emergence of numerous abuse allegations after Savile's death.
2009: Savile Defends Viewers of Child Pornography
In a 2009 interview, Jimmy Savile sparked controversy by defending viewers of child pornography, including Gary Glitter. He argued that viewing such material in private shouldn't be demonized, sparking outrage and raising questions about his own character.
2009: Release of Licensed Fancy Dress Costumes
Savile's unique style, often featuring tracksuits and gold jewelry, was embraced in 2009 with the release of licensed fancy dress costumes.
2009: Philanthropic Recognition
The Guardian dubbed Jimmy Savile as a "prodigious philanthropist" in 2009, acknowledging his dedication to charity work.
2009: End of Alleged Abuse
The joint report by the NSPCC and Metropolitan Police indicates that the alleged abuse by Savile continued until 2009, highlighting the prolonged period over which he is accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals.
2010: Savile's Abuse Timeline
It was reported that Savile's abusive actions spanned five decades, from the 1960s to 2010, highlighting the systemic nature of his exploitation and the trust he breached.
2010: Commitment to Leeds University Research Enterprise
Savile's support for the Leeds University Research Enterprise scholarship scheme was solidified in 2010 with a commitment of £500,000 over five years.
October 2011: Bequest for Leeds University Research Enterprise
After Savile's death in October 2011, it was revealed that he had left a bequest to ensure the continued funding of the Leeds University Research Enterprise program.
October 2011: Death of Jimmy Savile
Jimmy Savile died in October 2011, at the age of 84. Following his death, numerous allegations of sexual abuse surfaced, tarnishing his legacy.
November 2011: Savile's Funeral and Burial
In November 2011, Jimmy Savile's funeral was held at Leeds Cathedral following public tributes, and he was buried at Woodlands Cemetery in Scarborough, with his coffin positioned at a 45-degree angle to fulfill his wish to "see the sea."
December 2011: BBC Newsnight Investigates Savile but Shelves Report
In December 2011, BBC's Newsnight initiated an investigation into sexual abuse allegations against Savile. Despite gathering compelling testimonies from alleged victims, the program decided to shelve the exposé, drawing criticism and accusations of a cover-up.
2011: Savile's Death and Emergence of Abuse Allegations
Following Jimmy Savile's death in 2011, a significant number of sexual abuse complaints against him came to light, leading to a major scandal and a reassessment of his legacy.
2011: Posthumous Praise and Emerging Allegations
Following his death in 2011, Savile received praise for his charitable work, however, this was quickly overshadowed by numerous sexual abuse allegations that came to light.
June 2012: Publication of Savile's Biography
Alison Bellamy's authorized biography of Savile, "How's About That Then?", was published in June 2012. Following the sexual abuse allegations, Bellamy stated she felt "let down and betrayed" by Savile.
July 2012: Auction of Savile's Possessions
In July 2012, an auction of Jimmy Savile's belongings was held at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, with the proceeds donated to charity. Notable items sold included his silver Rolls-Royce Corniche convertible.
September 2012: ITV Documentary Exposes Savile's Dark Side
Almost a year after Savile's death in September 2012, ITV broadcast a documentary titled "The Other Side of Jimmy Savile." The program presented allegations from multiple women, some underage at the time, accusing Savile of sexual abuse. This marked a turning point in the public's perception of Savile, igniting a major scandal.
October 2012: ITV Documentary Sparks Scandal
An ITV documentary aired in October 2012, igniting a major scandal by investigating and presenting sexual abuse claims against Jimmy Savile.
October 2012: Closure of Savile's Charities
Following the sexual abuse scandal, Savile's charities announced in October 2012 their decision to distribute their remaining funds to other organizations and cease operations.
October 2012: Scandal Triggers Inquiries into BBC and NHS Practices
In October 2012, as the Savile scandal deepened, inquiries were launched into the practices of the BBC and the National Health Service. Allegations emerged that rumors of Savile's misconduct had circulated for years, prompting investigations into potential cover-ups.
October 2012: Operation Yewtree Launched to Investigate Savile's Crimes
In October 2012, the Metropolitan Police launched Operation Yewtree to investigate the mounting allegations of sexual abuse against Jimmy Savile. The investigation uncovered a staggering number of potential victims, highlighting the widespread nature of Savile's alleged crimes.
October 2012: Removal of Savile Memorials
In October 2012, various places and organizations began removing Savile's name and memorials due to the emerging child abuse scandal. This included a memorial plaque in Scarborough, a statue in Glasgow, and footpath signs.
October 2012: BBC Panorama Investigates Newsnight's Handling of Savile Case
On October 22, 2012, the BBC program Panorama aired an investigation into Newsnight's decision to drop the Savile exposé. The program found evidence suggesting pressure from senior managers, leading to the resignation of Newsnight editor Peter Rippon.
November 2012: Metropolitan Police Report Unprecedented Scale of Abuse Allegations
By November 2012, the Metropolitan Police revealed the shocking scale of sexual abuse allegations against Savile, describing it as "unprecedented" in Britain. Hundreds of alleged victims came forward, painting a horrifying picture of Savile's predatory behavior over decades.
November 2012: ITV Airs "Exposure Update: The Jimmy Savile Investigation"
On November 21, 2012, ITV aired an update to its initial documentary on Savile, further exposing the extent of his alleged crimes. The program revealed harrowing details and contributed to the growing public outrage surrounding the case.
December 2012: Nick Pollard Review Finds BBC Decision Flawed
In December 2012, a review led by Nick Pollard criticized the BBC's decision not to air the Newsnight investigation into Savile. The review concluded that the evidence of abuse was credible and that the BBC missed an opportunity to expose Savile's actions.
December 2012: Release of National Archives Documents
In December 2012, the National Archives released documents revealing the "close friendship" between Savile and Margaret Thatcher, including letters and correspondence.
2012: Posthumous Allegations of Sexual Abuse
Following Savile's death, serious allegations surfaced in 2012, accusing him of sexually abusing vulnerable patients at the hospitals he was involved with.
2012: Concerns and Suspicions Surface After Savile's Death
In 2012, after Savile's death, former BBC governor Sir Roger Jones revealed that he had banned Savile from involvement with Children in Need due to his "creepy" behavior. Former royal family press secretary Dickie Arbiter also shared concerns about Savile's inappropriate behavior around young women during his time as an informal marriage counselor for Prince Charles and Princess Diana in the late 1980s.
2012: Broadmoor Hospital Staff Accounts
In 2012, staff members from Broadmoor Hospital, including Richard Harrison and Bob Allen, shared their observations of Savile's behavior, suggesting he had a disturbing personality and a concerning interest in children.
2012: Ignored Complaints Against Savile
It was revealed that complaints against Jimmy Savile had been raised before 2012 but were ignored by the system, contributing to his ability to continue his pattern of abuse.
January 2013: NSPCC and Metropolitan Police Release Joint Report
In January 2013, the NSPCC and the Metropolitan Police jointly published "Giving Victims a Voice," a report detailing the findings of their investigation into the Savile abuse scandal. The report revealed the staggering number of alleged victims and the widespread nature of Savile's crimes, spanning decades.
March 2013: Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary Report on Savile Abuse Allegations
In March 2013, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary released a report stating that many of the complaints against Savile could have led to criminal charges if reported earlier. The report detailed the horrific nature of the alleged abuse and highlighted the missed opportunities to bring Savile to justice.
May 2013: Sale of Savile's Glen Coe Cottage
Following vandalism and damage, Jimmy Savile's cottage in Glen Coe was sold in May 2013. This came after the widespread child abuse scandal that emerged after his death.
November 2013: Adrian Street's Interview
In November 2013, Former professional wrestler Adrian Street revealed in an interview that Jimmy Savile would often boast about the young girls who would wait for him outside his dressing room. Savile would choose who he wanted, turning away others.
2013: Uncensored Lydon Interview Released
The uncensored recording of John Lydon's 1978 interview, including his comments about Jimmy Savile, was released as a bonus track on a re-release of Public Image Ltd's debut album.
June 2014: Jeremy Hunt's Public Apology
In June 2014, UK Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt issued a formal apology in the House of Commons for the NHS's failure to address complaints about Savile's abuse of patients, some of which dated back before 2012.
June 2014: Hospital Investigation Findings
In June 2014, investigations concluded that Savile had committed sexual assaults at 28 NHS hospitals over several decades, targeting both staff and patients between the ages of 5 and 75.
October 2014: Lydon Clarifies 1978 Comments
In October 2014, John Lydon clarified his 1978 comments about Jimmy Savile, emphasizing his disgust at the media's alleged ignorance of Savile's actions.
2014: Compensation Scheme for Savile's Victims
Savile's estate, frozen due to potential claims from his victims, led to a compensation scheme approved in late 2014. The scheme aimed to provide financial redress to those who suffered abuse by Savile.
2016: Follow-up Documentary by Louis Theroux
A follow-up documentary by Louis Theroux, "Louis Theroux: Savile," explored Savile's life and Theroux's reflections on his previous inability to uncover more about the allegations.
March 2019: Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse
During the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in March 2019, it was reported that attempts by Margaret Thatcher to award Savile a knighthood in the 1980s had been resisted by Robert Armstrong, the head of the Honours Committee, due to concerns about his private life.
October 2020: Announcement of "The Reckoning"
In October 2020, the BBC announced a miniseries titled "The Reckoning," aimed at depicting Savile's rise to fame and the subsequent sexual abuse scandal after his death.
September 2021: Steve Coogan Cast as Savile
In September 2021, actor Steve Coogan was chosen to portray Jimmy Savile in "The Reckoning." Coogan acknowledged the gravity of the role and the importance of telling the disturbing story.
September 2021: Cabinet Office Statement on Savile's Honours
In September 2021, the Cabinet Office stated that had James Wilson Vincent Savile been convicted of the crimes of which he is accused, forfeiture proceedings would have commenced, referring to his OBE and knighthood.
April 2022: "Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story"
Netflix released a two-part documentary in April 2022 titled "Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story," which explored Savile's life, career, history of sexual abuse, and the subsequent scandal that unfolded after his death in 2011.
2022: Mark Lawson's Account
In 2022, former BBC presenter Mark Lawson published his encounters with Savile, including information he'd heard from various BBC personnel about Savile's alleged abuse and necrophilia.
2022: Postponement of "The Reckoning"
The BBC miniseries "The Reckoning," originally slated for the autumn 2022 schedule, was postponed for meticulous re-editing to avoid exacerbating the pain and suffering of Savile's victims.
October 2023: Broadcast of "The Reckoning"
After delays and re-editing, "The Reckoning," the BBC miniseries about Jimmy Savile, was broadcast in October 2023. The series aimed to carefully address Savile's life and the abuse scandal without causing further distress to victims.
