THE review into how Jimmy Savile and Stuart Hall carried out campaigns of abuse over decades while at the BBC is "nearing the end of its work" having heard from hundreds of witnesses.

The review, headed by Dame Janet Smith, is expected to uncover hundreds of victims targeted by Savile and reveal a culture of ignorance which protected him.

A parallel review, being carried out into Hall's behaviour while at the corporation, is being chaired by former High Court judge Dame Linda Dobbs DBE and will form part of the final report.

A statement on the review's website said it had contacted "approximately 740 people".

It went on: "In connection with the investigation into Jimmy Savile, the review has had over 350 telephone conversations with witnesses and almost 190 witness interviews have taken place. In addition, in relation to the investigation into Stuart Hall, the review has had over 100 noted telephone conversations with witnesses and a further 31 witness interviews. While the review is nearing the end, it continues to conduct interviews and to receive evidence. The review expects that its report will be finalised before the end of the year. When a date is known, an update will be provided."