The BBC has received more than 200 complaints about an episode of Tweenies aired on Sunday (June 20) on Cbeebies, which featured a character dressed as disgraced DJ Jimmy Savile.
Originally filmed in 2001 but repeated yesterday at 9am, the episode featured the Max character impersonating Savile as part of a Top of the Pops-style sequence.
He was shown wearing a white-blonde wig and one of Savile's trademark tracksuits, as well as using his mannerisms and catchphrases, such as "Now then, guys and gals".
The BBC said that 216 complaints have been submitted so far over the broadcast, and 34 people have contacted the corporation to comment on the programme.
In a post on the BBC Complaints website, the BBC said that the complainants felt that it was "inappropriate" to feature a character dressed as Savile, who has been exposed as a "prolific, predatory sex offender".
The BBC said in a statement that it was "very sorry" for any offence caused by the broadcast, and the Cbeebies team have been warned to ensure such a mistake does not happen again.
"On 20 January 2013, CBeebies broadcast a repeat of an episode of the Tweenies, originally made in 2001, featuring a character dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile," it said.
"This programme will not be repeated and we are very sorry for any offence caused. We have spoken to the team to ensure this mistake cannot be repeated."
BBC News reports that Ofcom has received "tens, rather than hundreds" of complaints about the Tweenies episode.
The media regulator has confirmed that it is assessing whether the BBC broke any broadcasting rules, but has not yet launched an official investigation.
Former BBC TV and radio star Savile died in October 2011. A recent Metropolitan Police report concluded that he may have abused more than 200 people over a 60-year period.
