Martin Clunes to take on role of Huw Edwards in new drama

The two-part factual series, provisionally titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, will recount how one of the most recognisable figures in British television became the centre of a high-profile scandal which saw him receive a suspended jail sentence.

Edwards, whose career started in Wales before he became one of the public broadcaster’s highest-paid newsreaders.

In that time he delivered some of the biggest stories in British recent history including Queen Elizabeth II’s death, before pleading guilty to making indecent images of children in July 2024.

Clunes will portray the Bridgend-born newsreader in the series by television channel 5, which says it will recount how the scandal unfolded and feature interviews from those who first reported the story.

Ben Frow, chief content officer at 5, said: “This is an important and shocking story of how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status.

“By gaining exclusive access to the key individuals involved and those who investigated the story, we explore the human cost behind the headlines.”

Edward’s career ended in disgrace after a report by the Sun in July 2023 alleged a “top BBC Star” had paid a teenager for sexual pictures.

Days later, his wife named him as the presenter at the centre of the scandal and the newsreader resigned in April.

In June 2024, following a Met Police investigation, he was charged with three counts of making indecent images of children in relation to WhatsApp exchanges with a man called Alex Williams.

Edwards pleaded guilty to the charges a month later, and admitted to having 41 photographs on WhatsApp, including seven of the most serious type.

He was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for seven years.

The new series will be directed by Michael Samuels, known for British dramas The Windermere Children and Any Human Heart.