Martin Clunes has opened up about the demanding experience of portraying former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards in an upcoming feature-length television drama. The 64-year-old actor stars in "Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards," a Channel 5 production that delves into the scandal that led to Edwards' arrest and subsequent exit from public life.
Delving into a Double Life
The drama focuses on Edwards' secret existence, which contrasted sharply with his professional persona as a trusted news anchor. Clunes, alongside co-star Osian Morgan who plays the young man known only as "Ryan," explores the manipulative relationship that formed the core of the real-life case. Edwards was sentenced in 2024 to a six-month suspended prison term and placed on the sex offenders register after admitting to creating indecent images of children.
Research and Preparation
Clunes conducted extensive research to authentically capture both sides of Edwards' character. "I was familiar with Huw Edwards, the newsreader, and how he presented himself when reading the news," Clunes explained. "But I've seen other actors make the mistake of just inhabiting that projected face of a famous person. I knew we needed the other side of him too."
The actor sought out archive footage of Edwards away from his professional duties, noting distinct differences in behavior and speech patterns. "If you listen to his rhythms, he's far more Welsh when he's not news reading," Clunes observed. This attention to detail was crucial for creating a nuanced portrayal that moves beyond superficial imitation.
The Emotional Challenge
Playing such a controversial figure presented significant emotional challenges. "It can be uncomfortable, but it's all part of the job and you just have to go there," Clunes admitted. The actor particularly struggled with scenes depicting Edwards' manipulation of "Ryan," whose vulnerable portrayal by Morgan added to the intensity.
"It was hard towards the end of the story, hearing Osian's vulnerable voice when Edwards was bullying him," Clunes revealed. "I didn't feel very nice at the end of those scenes, so again it was definitely good to have Osian in the room to talk to afterwards."
Focus on the Victim's Story
While much media attention has centered on Edwards' fall from grace, Clunes emphasized the importance of telling "Ryan's" story. "Beyond the salacious curiosity around this story, I really thought there was another story worth telling, that of 'Ryan,'" he said. "Behind that, there's this lad and his family whose lives got turned upside down."
The drama incorporates actual text messages between Edwards and "Ryan," providing authentic material for the actors to work with. Clunes and Morgan made the unusual decision to be physically present together during phone call scenes, rather than having lines read by production staff, to maintain the intimate nature of these exchanges.
Physical Transformation
To better resemble Edwards, Clunes underwent physical changes including weight loss and prosthetic work on his ears. "I don't know how they fixed them, but it was quite involved," he said of the ear modifications. The final result creates a striking resemblance to the former newsreader who famously announced Queen Elizabeth II's death to millions of viewers.
Balancing Light and Dark Roles
Though best known for lighter roles in "Doc Martin" and "Men Behaving Badly," Clunes has increasingly taken on darker characters in recent years. However, he insists this isn't part of a deliberate career strategy. "I never try to second-guess what the audience will think," he stated. "I've played a murderer before and I'm vile in Wuthering Heights, so this isn't my first dark role."
Clunes maintains that he still enjoys balancing serious dramas with more lighthearted projects. "I'd play someone like Doc Martin again in a heartbeat," he affirmed. "Sometimes with acting you just have to jump off the cliff and hope you land well – you don't want everything to feel measured and calculated."
The actor expressed confidence in the production team, noting that he knew he was "putting the performance into good hands." "Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards" premieres on Channel 5 on March 24, offering viewers a dramatic exploration of one of British broadcasting's most significant scandals.
