Channel 5 Responds After Huw Edwards Slams New Drama About His Downfall

Martin Clunes is set to portray the disgraced former BBC News anchor in the new two-part series.

The UK broadcaster 5 – previously known as Channel 5 – is standing by its new drama about the downfall of Huw Edwards, after the disgraced former BBC News presenter hit out at the show.

Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards is set to premiere on Monday night, and features Wuthering Heights star Martin Clunes in the titular role.

Shortly before Power was set to debut, Edwards issued a statement to the Daily Mail saying he was “furious” about the two-part series, claiming they “made no attempt” to verify any of the stories outlined in it with him until after production was complete.

Edwards’ statement said (as reported by Deadline): “[The production team] made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative before going ahead with the production.

“They belatedly asked for a response after the drama had been made, while reserving the right to edit any such response. They also refused to disclose whether any of those making allegations had been paid for their contributions. Channel 5’s ‘factual drama’ is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened.”

His statement continued: “My deep regret and remorse for the crimes I committed were expressed in court. In pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity, I took full responsibility for my reprehensible actions. I am repelled by the idea that some people enjoy viewing indecent images of children. Every image represents an innocent victim. I offer my sincere and profound apologies for what I did.”

He added that he is currently working on producing “my own account of these terrible events”, but said that this was “a slow process, given the fragile state of my health”.

A 5 spokesperson responded: “Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is based on extensive interviews with the victim, his family, the journalists who revealed his story, text exchanges between the victim and Edwards, and court reporting.

“It has been produced in accordance with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code. All allegations made in the film were put to Huw Edwards via his solicitors six weeks before transmission.”

Until just a few years ago, Edwards was one of the most recognisable and highest-earning members of the on-air BBC News team.

Then, in 2023, he first became the subject of public scandal when it was confirmed he had been accused of paying a young person to pose for sexually explicit photos, which led to him being suspended from the BBC.

A year later, having withdrawn from public life, it was made public that he had pleaded guilty to having 41 indecent images of children, which, according to BBC News’ reporting at the time, included seven of the most serious category A images – and two clips showing a child as young as seven.

He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended over a two-year period, and placed on the sex offenders’ register, which he was required to sign for the seven following years.

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