BBC 'sorry' for Savile kids TV gaffe

The BBC has apologised after a character from children's TV programme The Tweenies appeared dressed as Jimmy Savile.

In the scene, the character Max appeared in a blonde wig, wearing Savile's trademark tracksuits and using his accent and catchphrases.

He presents a Top of the Pops-style show in the episode which was filmed in 2001 but repeated on CBeebies before 9am on Sunday.

A BBC spokesman said: "This programme will not be repeated and we are very sorry for any offence caused."

Viewers tweeted about the gaffe. Kenny Senior wrote: "Are BBC trying to self destruct? Max from Tweenies dressed as Jimmy Savile just now nearly chokes on my cornflakes."

A police report on Savile, who died in 2011 aged 84, concluded he was a "prolific, predatory sex offender" who abused more than 200 people over a 60-year period.