Martin Clunes Takes on Huw Edwards Role in Channel 5 Drama
In a powerful new fact-based drama, Martin Clunes portrays the dramatic fall of Huw Edwards, once the BBC's top news anchor, who was convicted for making indecent images of children. The Doc Martin star delves into the secrecy surrounding the production, his off-the-record research, and the physical transformations required for the role, including sticking down his ears to match Edwards's appearance.
The Downfall of a Broadcasting Icon
Huw Edwards has not appeared as a newsreader since July 2023, when the BBC suspended him following a Sun report alleging he paid a teenager £35,000 for intimate images. A year later, his career effectively ended when Clive Myrie announced Edwards's conviction for possessing indecent images, including seven category A images depicting the most severe abuse. On Tuesday, 24 March, Edwards returns to screens in a late-night news slot, recreated by Channel 5's drama Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, with Clunes in the lead role.
Clunes, known for lighter roles in Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin, has recently taken on heavier dramatic parts, such as in ITV's Manhunt and Out There. He continues this trend with his portrayal of Edwards, showcasing his versatility as an actor. When asked if he hesitated to play such a notorious figure, Clunes responded, "No. Because it's my job. Roles don't take me over."
Ethical Considerations and Physical Transformations
The drama carefully distinguishes between Edwards's homosexuality, which he described as suppressed in a court report, and his criminal sexual interest in children. Clunes notes that the title Power reflects Edwards's inappropriate use of his public profile, such as in online pursuits of teenagers. While Natalie Dormer recently donated her fee for playing Sarah Ferguson to charity, Clunes joked about his Channel 5 pay, saying, "It's Channel 5 so it isn't that much!" He also pondered potential criticism for a straight actor playing a gay man.
To achieve a Sheen-like resemblance, Clunes underwent makeup adjustments, including flattening his ears with putty. He studied Edwards's mannerisms, such as a sneer-like lip curl and a habit of clutching the desk with his left arm. Clunes lost weight for the role but avoided extensive gym work, humorously claiming, "Obviously I'm just blessed with a really great body!"
Research and Recreation
Clunes extensively researched Edwards by watching archive footage, including the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022, which he described as a cornerstone of British state broadcasting. He practiced with an Autocue, noting his experience from Have I Got News for You and home recordings during Covid. Off-the-record conversations with Edwards's former colleagues revealed a professional coldness, with no one describing him as fun.
A sports broadcaster highlighted Edwards's tic of hesitating before reading numbers, as if pretending not to use an Autocue. Clunes also studied Edwards's off-duty appearances, noting he sounded slightly more Welsh when not presenting. The drama includes scenes based on factual WhatsApp messages and a psychiatrist's report, adding weight to the portrayal.
Secrecy and Legal Precautions
The production was kept secret, with no announcement until after filming completed in December 2025. Clunes was not under a non-disclosure agreement but maintained discretion. During filming, Edwards posted a moody image on Facebook, sparking speculation about a comeback, but Clunes said there was no evidence he knew about the drama.
Due to strict English libel laws, the drama avoids speculation, sticking to facts from Sun reports and court proceedings. A fantasy epilogue shows Edwards reading his own conviction details, with Clunes using the number-emphasis tic to highlight the severity of the crimes, including 41 indecent images and victims as young as seven.
Reflections on the Role
Clunes believes Edwards would not like the drama but notes, "He would have happily reported on other people committing similar crimes." He concludes that there is no way back for Edwards, stating, "People get forgiven for cheating on their wives and bit of tax evasion. But, this one, I don't think you do come back. I don't think we'll get a second series." Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards airs on Channel 5 at 9pm on Tuesday, 24 March.
