Huw Edwards Biopic Draws Mixed Reactions as Martin Clunes Earns Praise for 'Scary' Likeness
Channel 5's controversial drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, has ignited a firestorm of debate following its broadcast on 24 March 2026. The feature-length factual drama delves into the shocking fall from grace of former BBC news anchor Huw Edwards, once a revered figure in British broadcasting, who was convicted in September 2024 on three charges of making indecent images of children.
Viewers Unanimously Hail Martin Clunes' Uncanny Resemblance
Audiences have flooded social media with reactions, overwhelmingly focusing on Martin Clunes' portrayal of Edwards. Many described his performance as "scary" and "chillingly convincing," noting the striking physical similarity. One viewer remarked, "It's scary how much Martin Clunes looks like Huw Edwards," while another expressed surprise, stating, "If you'd asked me who I thought would've been a good actor to play Huw Edwards, I'd never have said Martin Clunes...but, crikey..." A third added, "Martin Clunes is chillingly convincing as Huw Edwards," and a fourth quipped, "Doesn't Doc Martin look like Huw Edwards?!"
Behind the Scenes: Clunes' Transformation for the Role
In an interview with The Times, Martin Clunes revealed the intricate efforts to morph into Edwards' likeness. He disclosed that his ears were pulled back for the role, a process he described as "quite involved." Clunes explained, "I don't know how they fixed them, but it was quite involved. Quite a few times they shot me from behind so it wasn't tape, because that would show. They were back there for ages. And I had to lose a bit of weight." This attention to detail contributed to the eerie authenticity that viewers have praised.
Controversy Over Timing and Sensitivity
The drama has faced significant backlash for its timing, with critics arguing it is too soon to dramatize events that are still raw for the victims and their families. The official synopsis describes the show as exploring "the story of how a vulnerable 17-year-old boy was groomed by one of the most powerful figures in television." On Good Morning Britain, Susanna Reid questioned Clunes about the criticism, asking if it was "too soon" given the ongoing impact on those involved. Clunes responded candidly, "I don't know. If anybody thinks it's too soon, don't watch it. I don't think it's too soon. I don't know what, I don't know what the timetable is for these things."
Deleted Scene and Legal Proceedings
Clunes also revealed that a significant scene was cut from the drama, involving the judge's summing up during Edwards' sentencing. He paraphrased, "There's no doubt you were one of the most famous people in the country, and there's no doubt your career is now in ruins." This omission highlights the selective storytelling in the biopic. Edwards' legal downfall unfolded rapidly: he stepped down from the BBC in April 2024, faced charges in June 2024 after a Metropolitan Police investigation, and received a six-month suspended prison sentence at Westminster Magistrates' Court in September 2024 after pleading guilty.
The drama continues to spark conversations about media ethics, victim sensitivity, and the portrayal of recent scandals in entertainment, ensuring it remains a hot topic in the weeks to come.
