The BBC have had to apologise after its much loved children's show The Tweenies saw one of its characters dress up as Jimmy Savile.

Few things are taboo to joke about anymore. Judging by movies and television, casual racism, rape and pedophilia are sadly up for grabs when it comes for looking for laughs, but one name that continues to haunt and shock the nation is 'Jimmy Savile'. 

Since the revelation of his predatory and pedophilic behaviour the topic,= in general has been treated with much seriousness (forget Ali-G at the Comedy Awards), so for a children's television programme to have one of its characters dress up as Savile is fairly shocking. In the episode 'Max' wore the wig and shiny jumpsuit that the television star was famed for. In their defence, however, this episode was filmed back in 2001 and was simply a repeat. However, due thought should certainly have been given to its content.

"This morning CBeebies broadcast a repeat of an episode of the Tweenies, originally made in 2001, featuring a character dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile." The statement from the BBC said, "This programme will not be repeated and we are very sorry for any offence caused." 

After a documentary on ITV that had investigated claims against Savile, an official police enquiry and investigation was begun. The report described Savile as a "prolific, predatory sex offender". Since the investigation began a number of other public figures have also been arrested for questioning including Gary Glitter and Jim Davidson.