The Reckoning continues on BBC One this week, and actor Michael Jibson continues to portray BBC boss Bill Cotton – but did you know Fearne Cotton is related to the TV producer?
Bill Cotton played a huge part in elevating Jimmy Savile’s career. As seen in the TV dramatisation, Bill was a television producer and executive who was integral to Savile’s progression within the BBC.
And The Reckoning isn’t afraid to highlight the failure of the Beeb to act on complaints against Savile. Of course, we now know that the host of Jim’ll Fix It used his fame to prey on vulnerable young people. The paedophile raped, assaulted and abused young men and women, and often children.
Most of his crimes only came to light after he died in 2011, at the age of 84. And many have accused those at the top of the BBC of turning a blind eye.
So who was Bill Cotton, and how is he related to Fearne Cotton? Here’s everything you need to know…
Who was Bill Cotton?
Bill Cotton was the BBC’s head of light entertainment from 1970 to 1977, before becoming controller of BBC One until 1981. The television producer and executive was integral to Jimmy Savile’s progression at the BBC.
In 1962, Bill Cotton was working as assistant head of light entertainment. And, eight years later, the BBC promoted him to head of the department.
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