Disgraced former BBC presenter Huw Edwards has announced his intention to challenge what he describes as “misleading or fabricated claims” in the recent Channel 5 factual drama about his scandal. The 64-year-old, who pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and received a suspended prison sentence, criticised the programme as “one-sided”.
In a statement released on Thursday, Edwards said: “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.” He added that a number of serious questions remain unanswered and that he intends to produce his own account, possibly through a documentary or podcast series.
The drama, titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards and starring Martin Clunes, aired last month and focuses on the grooming scandal that emerged in 2023. Edwards’ victim, who was 17 at the time, alleges he was pressured into sending explicit content, leading to a subsequent drug addiction. The victim, now 23, has said he refuses to be silenced and worked closely with producers on the drama.
Channel 5 defended the programme, stating it was based on extensive interviews with the victim, his family, journalists, text exchanges, and court reporting. The broadcaster confirmed that all allegations were put to Edwards via his solicitors six weeks before transmission. Executive producer Samantha Anstiss said the victim was “front and centre” of the production approach, with full control over the script.
Edwards previously expressed “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes, describing his behaviour as “reckless, shameful, and damaging”. He has also claimed that the production company, Wonderhood Studios, failed to verify the truth of narratives shown in the series.
