CBeebies has apologised after a character from the children's TV programme The Tweenies appeared dressed as disgraced TV presenter Jimmy Savile.
The episode, which was filmed in 2001, was shown on the BBC this morning in a bizarre programming error.
In the scene, the older character Max presented a Top of the Pops style programme wearing a white wig, Savile's trademark tracksuit and gold chains and using his catchphrase: "Now then, guys and gals."
A recent Metropolitan police report into allegations of sexual abuse against Savile, who died in 2011 aged 84, concluded the presenter and DJ was a 'prolific, predatory sex offender' who abused more than 200 people over a 60-year period.
The BBC said: "This morning CBeebies broadcast a repeat of an episode of the Tweenies, originally made in 2001, featuring a character dressed as a DJ impersonating Jimmy Savile. This programme will not be repeated and we are very sorry for any offence caused."
The gaffe was picked up by fans on social networking sites such as Twitter.
Kenny Senior tweeted: "Are BBC trying to self destruct? Max from Tweenies dressed as Jimmy Savile just now nearly chokes on my cornflakes."
Comedian Ricky Gervais also tweeted: "The BBC apologises after screening a 2001 episode of The Tweenies in which a character dressed up as Jimmy Savile" Hahaha"
The Tweenies was cancelled in 2003 but episodes have been repeated regularly since then.