Huw Edwards, the disgraced former BBC presenter convicted of making indecent images of children, has indicated he intends to publicly address the events surrounding his downfall later this year. The 64-year-old, who pleaded guilty to three charges in July 2024 and received a suspended six-month prison sentence that September, has criticised the recent Channel 5 dramatisation of his case.
Criticism of Channel 5's 'Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards'
Edwards has taken issue with Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, the Channel 5 programme starring Martin Clunes that aired last week to mixed reviews. He claims the production team failed to properly fact-check the dramatisation with him before broadcast. Among the evidence in his case were seven category A images - the most serious classification - which were sent to him via WhatsApp by convicted sex offender Alex Williams.
In a new statement, Edwards described the programme as 'one-sided' and hinted that 'opportunities will arise later this year for me to state my case'. He added: 'Much has been written and reported in the past week following Channel 5's one-sided account. Other opportunities will arise later this year for me to state my case, and to challenge the misleading or fabricated claims made in recent coverage.'
Parting Ways with Publicist Barry Tomes
Despite his plans to speak out, Edwards has severed ties with publicist Barry Tomes, whom he approached several months ago to help rebuild his public profile. Tomes confirmed he had provided seven days of pro bono media representation to Edwards but would no longer be working with him.
Tomes explained: 'Following the media frenzy for the past ten days surrounding the Channel 5 factual drama Power, I agreed to act as the publicist on behalf of Huw Edwards for seven days only on a pro bono basis to give media advice. This offer was made by me and not sought by Edwards.'
Controversial Television Appearance
The publicist's decision came days after a challenging interview on Good Morning Britain, during which presenter Ed Balls questioned why Tomes was representing 'a convicted paedophile, class A images, which he admitted in court'. Tomes responded that he wanted to understand 'why these things happen generally, why do powerful men do these things'.
In a subsequent statement, Tomes emphasised: 'Was it my £5000 fee for a week's consultation? No, I never charged a penny. I am the only person in the UK media this week that didn’t earn money from a story about a paedophile.' He later described the interview as not being a 'car crash', adding: 'I had my seatbelt on, we were all perfectly safe. Had a nice cup of tea afterwards.'
Channel 5 Defends Its Production
Channel 5 has defended its dramatisation, stating the programme was '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'. A spokesperson added: '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.'
Broader BBC Fallout Continues
Edwards' comments emerge as the BBC continues to deal with the aftermath of another scandal involving former Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills, who was recently dismissed over allegations of serious sexual offences dating back to the 1990s. It has emerged that the BBC had known for years that Mills was interviewed by Metropolitan Police in 2018 regarding the allegations, though the Crown Prosecution Service rejected the case due to insufficient evidence.
The broadcaster only dismissed Mills after learning his accuser had been under 16 at the time of the alleged offences. Mills stated he 'fully cooperated' with the investigation and expressed hope that 'the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter'.
Edwards concluded his statement by noting: 'A number of serious questions still remain to be answered, and not just by me. It will now take some time for me to produce my own account, and until then I do not intend to comment any further.'
