EXCLUSIVE: Huw Edwards fall from grace has been catastrophic, and it is being revisited on Channel 5.
Huw Edwards was a well-respected BBC reporter (Picture: GETTY)
Huw Edwards was as soon as one of the crucial revered journalists on the BBC, having fronted protection of the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III’s Coronation, and the 2019 Basic Election. Nevertheless, the Welsh newsreader left the nation horrified when he was suspended by the BBC in July 2023 after allegations that he had paid an adolescent for specific images emerged.
Edwards resigned the next April and ultimately pleaded responsible to a few counts of constructing 41 indecent photographs of youngsters. He was handed a six-month suspended jail sentence and placed on the intercourse offenders’ register. Months earlier than the scandal hit the headlines, I interviewed the 64-year-old on the Royal Tv Society Awards – and I’m nonetheless chilled by one element.
Edwards was one of many final arrivals on the star-studded occasion, which was held in central London, and he commanded the eye of everybody there the minute he stepped onto the purple carpet along with his assured presence.
He gave me a video interview and was extraordinarily charming as we mentioned King Charles’ upcoming coronation, which Edwards was getting ready for in his function on the BBC.
The veteran broadcaster advised me within the lead-up to the royal spectacle: “All I’ve seen are broad plans, I have never seen detailed issues, however the scale and the influence, I believe, can be huge. After all, it is not simply the coronation, it is your complete weekend.”
“So I’m wanting ahead to it,” he added. “I’ve acquired lots of work to do over the subsequent 5 weeks, however I believe it will likely be incredible. I believe the spectacle in [Westminster] Abbey can be completely breathtaking.”
I keep in mind watching our interview again and being so happy to have spoken to somebody I believed was a BBC broadcasting legend whom I revered.
What chills me is that he was clearly hiding such a darkish secret, and I did not have a clue, one which was about to be unearthed in a matter of months and would change every thing.
I am now embarrassed to have been so incorrect about Edwards – he actually pulled the wool over my eyes.
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Three years on from our purple carpet interview, Edwards’ downfall is being revisited in a brand new two-part drama, with actor Martin Clunes portraying the disgraced BBC star.
Energy: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is airing on Tuesday, March 24 on Channel 5.
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