![Image](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02437/savile-thatcher_2437786b.jpg)
Senior civil servants repeatedly warned Margaret Thatcher about the risks of giving Jimmy Savile a knighthood in the 1980s, one describing the broadcaster as a "strange and complex man".
Newly released documents show the ex-prime minister lobbied officials for recognition of Savile's charity work.
But mandarins rebuffed her requests, citing Savile's "manner of life" and fears he might exploit the honour.
Savile, a friend of the former PM, was ultimately knighted in 1990.