Child Cast of BBC Narnia Reveals Shocking Savile Warning
Source: Child cast of BBC Narnia series say they were warned about Jimmy Savile (2025-11-22)
The original cast of the BBC’s 1988 Narnia series has recently opened up about their childhood experiences, revealing they were warned about Jimmy Savile, the notorious serial sex offender, during filming. The actors, now adults, shared their memories in a documentary titled *Return to Narnia*, highlighting the unsettling atmosphere behind the scenes. Sophie Cook, who played Susan Pevensie, recounted being told by a studio floor manager to stay away from Savile, who was reportedly present in the next studio. This revelation underscores the dark undercurrents within the BBC during the late 1980s, a period marred by multiple scandals involving high-profile personalities. Since then, additional facts have emerged that deepen understanding of this troubling era. For instance, Savile’s influence extended into various BBC programs, and he was known to have been present at numerous BBC events, often unchallenged. The BBC’s internal culture at the time has been scrutinized, revealing systemic issues of silence and complicity. In recent years, the BBC has implemented comprehensive safeguarding reforms, including mandatory child protection training and independent oversight committees, to prevent such abuses. Furthermore, the Savile scandal prompted the UK government to establish the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which uncovered widespread institutional failures across multiple organizations. The revelations from the Narnia cast add a poignant chapter to this ongoing story, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and safeguarding in media institutions. This story is a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children in all industries, especially those with high-profile platforms. As the BBC continues to evolve, it remains committed to fostering a safe environment, learning from past mistakes, and ensuring that such dark chapters are never repeated. The voices of those who lived through these times serve as a crucial call for vigilance and reform, inspiring ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and uphold integrity within the entertainment industry.