Jimmy Savile abuse is 'dark chapter' in our history, says BBC boss Tony Hall

BBC director-general Tony Hall has described the sexual abuse by broadcaster Jimmy Savile as a “dark chapter” in the corporation’s history.

He vowed that the review into its culture would be “invaluable” in helping to ensure such incidents never happen again.

A leaked draft report of the review by Dame Janet Smith condemns the BBC over its “deferential culture” and “untouchable stars”, and criticises it for having managers who were “above the law”.

It also warns that it was possible another “predatory child abuser could be lurking undiscovered in the BBC even today”.

Commenting after the leaked report, Lord Hall said: “Firstly, my thoughts and all our thoughts are with the victims of Jimmy Savile and their families. What happened was a dark chapter in the history of the BBC.

“Dame Janet Smith’s report will be invaluable in helping us understand what happened and to help ensure that we do everything possible to avoid it happening again.

“The review has said that the copy leaked to the media is an early draft which has changed considerably, so, while I am impatient to learn those lessons, the responsible thing must be to act on the final report, which we have not received.”