‘This is MY side of the story’: Huw Edwards dramatically breaks cover to the Mail on eve of new Channel 5 drama about his downfall with his own astonishing, self-pitying claims, as insiders lift lid on ‘deluded’ former star’s life in exile
Disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards is furious over a new Channel 5 series chronicling his downfall.
His outburst comes as it emerges that the former newsreader is plotting a comeback and has issued a humble apology to the Daily Mail for his 2024 conviction for possessing indecent images of children.
Edwards, 64, criticizes Wonderhood, the production company of the two-part series Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards, starring Martin Clunes, which will be broadcast tomorrow night at 21.00.
In a statement published exclusively to the Daily Mail, he said: ‘[They] He made no attempt to check the accuracy of any aspect of his narratives with me before proceeding with production.
‘They requested a delayed response following the production of the series and reserve the right to edit such responses. They also refused to disclose whether any of those making the allegations were paid for their contributions.
Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards leaves court after being given a six-month suspended prison sentence for child abuse and image offenses in 2024
‘Channel 5’s ‘real drama’ is unlikely to convey the reality of what happened.’
The series chronicles how Edwards groomed a young man on social media. There’s no doubt this will be painful viewing for the former BBC News at Ten presenter, especially as it will be a reminder that just three years ago he was still presenting his flagship show – a job he’s been doing for decades, for Queen Elizabeth II. Announcing some of the country’s biggest news, including Elizabeth’s death.
However, it now seems possible that we will see Edwards again.
A source said: ‘Huw has found himself an agent and we’ll be seeing something with him in the coming months.’
The statement expresses ‘remorse and remorse’ for the crimes he committed. He was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years after admitting three charges of taking indecent photographs of children.
He says: ‘My deep sorrow and remorse for the crimes I committed were expressed in court. By pleading guilty at the first opportunity, I took full responsibility for my reprehensible actions. The idea that some people enjoy viewing explicit images of children disgusts me. Each picture represents an innocent victim. ‘I offer my sincere and profound apologies for what I did.’
Edwards also told the Daily Mail that he plans to tell his side of the story: ‘I am endeavoring to create my own story of these terrible events. This is a slow process considering the fragile state of my health.
‘I have been open about my struggle with persistent mental illness over a period of 25 years. What is less known is the seriousness of this condition; This situation was managed successfully until the downward spiral led to a dire outcome.
‘Mental illness is misunderstood by many people but it can never be an excuse for criminality.
‘But this may at least help explain why people sometimes behave in shocking and reprehensible ways, and why things went so wrong for me.’
Channel 5’s new drama based on the story Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards, starring Martin Clunes and Osian Morgan
Former presenter Edwards was arrested by the Met Police in November 2023 for possessing indecent images of children.
While Edwards apologized for the actions that led to his conviction, he did not apologize for his interactions with the teenager.
One of the sources harshly criticized this statement: ‘We sense Huw is self-deluding and self-pitying but he clearly wants her word,’ they said.
And a BBC source said: ‘Huw hid behind his mental health for a long time. ‘He received very good care but he still talks about it.’
The show’s promotional synopsis reads: ‘The drama explores the story of how a vulnerable 17-year-old is groomed by one of the most powerful figures on television, Huw Edwards.
‘The series, starring Martin Clunes as Edwards, explores the double life of the news anchor; ‘This life is spiraling out of control, leading him to make the biggest announcement of his career: his complete withdrawal from public life following his conviction for serious child sexual offences.’
Edwards has yet to watch the show but told the Daily Mail: ‘It is difficult to see how this approach could be considered remotely responsible or fair, or compatible with key parts of Ofcom’s rules on broadcasting standards.’
It seems rather odd that Edwards, who has retreated from London to the quiet Welsh village where his mother lives, has decided to take preventive action. Not least because the series will inevitably bring up the horrific time endured by his ex-wife Vicky Flind and their five children.
They ended their 30-year marriage after the police blamed him. Family friends say this situation is devastating for them.
A Channel 5 spokesman said: ‘The Force: The Fall of Huw Edwards is based on extensive interviews with the victim, his family, the journalists who broke his story, text exchanges between the victim and Edwards and court reports. Produced in accordance with the Ofcom Broadcasting Rules. ‘All allegations made in the film were communicated to Huw Edwards through his lawyers six weeks before its release.’
