Tim McInnery is back with a role in the chilling new drama National Treasure. He tells India Sturgis about meeting Jimmy Savile, his friend Paul Gambaccini and how he hopes the series based on Operation Yewtree will spark a national debate

There is a scene in National Treasure, the controversial new Channel 4 drama based on Operation Yewtree, the police investigation into historic sexual abuse allegations against Jimmy Savile and other well-known media personalities, when Paul Finchley, played by Robbie Coltrane, is being comforted by his best friend and long-time comedic partner, Karl, played by Tim McInnerny.

The characters are a famous double act comparable to Morecambe and Wise - never far from award ceremonies or requests from taxi drivers to repeat their time-worn catch phrases.

McInnerny, or Karl, has learnt that Paul has just been released on bail after an allegation of rape dating back to the nineties. He takes him in his arms. “I don’t think I can do this,” weeps Paul. “Of course you can, it’ll soon be over,” answers Karl.

It is an intense, deeply felt performance from McInnerny. The startling fact is that the actor has been here before. Not on the set of another TV series or film, but in real life.