‘This is MY side’: Disgraced Huw Edwards breaks silence over TV drama as comeback rumours swirl

In a striking intervention ahead of this week’s Channel 5 broadcast, the 64-year-old former News at Ten presenter told the Daily Mail he is unhappy with how his story is being portrayed — and suggested the programme fails to reflect “the reality” of what happened.

The two-part drama, Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards, airs on Channel 5 and stars Martin Clunes as the once-trusted newsreader whose career spectacularly unravelled.

‘No attempt to check the truth’

Edwards hit out at the programme’s makers, claiming they failed to consult him properly before production.

He said:

“They made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative… Channel 5’s ‘factual drama’ is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened.”

The broadcaster also questioned whether contributors had been paid and criticised the timing of requests for comment — claiming he was only approached after filming had already wrapped.

Apology — but anger remains

In the same statement, Edwards repeated his apology for the offences that led to his 2024 conviction for possessing indecent images of children.

He said he felt “deep regret and remorse” and described his actions as “reprehensible”, adding:

“Every image represents an innocent victim. I offer my sincere and profound apologies for what I did.”

But notably, his comments have already sparked criticism — with insiders branding the tone “self-pitying” and accusing him of trying to reshape the narrative.

‘I will tell my story’

Despite the backlash, Edwards made clear he is not staying silent.

He revealed he is working on his own account of events, saying:

“I am making an effort to produce my own account of these terrible events… This is a slow process given the fragile state of my health.”

He again referenced a long-standing struggle with mental illness — while acknowledging it could never excuse criminal behaviour.

Comeback plans?

Perhaps most surprising is the suggestion that Edwards could return to public life.

Sources told the Mail he has now secured representation and may be preparing a comeback — a move likely to divide opinion given the severity of the scandal.

For many, the timing raises eyebrows, with the new drama set to reopen wounds for those closest to him — including his ex-wife and children.

Drama set to reignite controversy

The Channel 5 series is expected to be explosive, focusing on the double life of one of Britain’s most recognisable news figures and the events that led to his downfall.

Producers say it is based on interviews, court reporting and evidence — and insist all allegations were put to Edwards’ legal team in advance.

The broadcaster maintains the programme complies fully with Ofcom rules.

When to watch

Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards airs on Channel 5 over two nights this week, starting at 9pm.

The drama continues tomorrow at the same time, bringing one of the most high-profile scandals in British broadcasting back into the spotlight.

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UNCANNY: First look at Martin Clunes as disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards in explosive new trailer

In the chilling new footage, Clunes is seen sporting Edwards’ signature silver hair and somber expression as he portrays the downfall of one of Britain’s most powerful television figures.

The two-part factual drama, titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, is set to explore the “double life” of the Llanelli-born presenter as it spiralled out of control.

For many in the local area, the fall of Edwards was a particularly bitter blow, given his deep roots in the village of Llangennech, where his father was a prominent figure.

The series is expected to delve into how the man who once championed Welsh culture and history on the world stage became embroiled in a sordid secret life.

Channel 5 has confirmed the production will focus on how Edwards groomed a vulnerable 17-year-old over many months while maintaining his status as the nation’s most-trusted newsreader.

The trailer features a dramatic recreation of the moment Edwards announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II to millions, juxtaposed with his secret online activities.

For Martin Clunes, the role marks a startling and gritty departure from the “cosy” comedy-drama of Doc Martin that made him a household name.

The 64-year-old actor, usually known for his lovable, if grumpy, portrayal of the Portwenn GP, appears almost unrecognisable as the disgraced newsman.

https://twitter.com/channel5_tv/status/2029495395965870151?s=20

Viewers are given a glimpse into the rapid unravelling of his secrets after a national newspaper first reported that a “top BBC star” had paid a teenager for sexual pictures.

The production, which has been a year in the making, is the first major collaboration between Channel 5’s factual and scripted commissioning teams.

It is based on extensive research and first-hand interviews with those at the heart of the scandal, promising an “unflinching” look at the human cost behind the headlines.

The drama will also cover Edwards’ formal resignation from the BBC following medical advice and his subsequent conviction for serious child sexual offences.

Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer at Channel 5, described the series as an “important and shocking story” about a man in a position of power who betrayed the public’s trust.

The series is directed by BAFTA-winner Michael Samuels and written by Mark Burt, with the production team gaining exclusive access to the investigation that led to Edwards’ downfall.

Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is expected to air later this year, with the trailer already sparking intense debate on social media about the “nuanced and complex” portrayal of the disgraced star.

Martin Clunes to play disgraced Llanelli newsreader Huw Edwards in explosive new TV drama

The two‑part series — working title Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards — promises to lift the lid on how one of Britain’s most trusted broadcasters went from announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth II to receiving a suspended jail sentence for making indecent images of children.

Edwards, who grew up in Llanelli and has long spoken about his Welsh upbringing, was once one of the BBC’s highest‑paid and most recognisable faces. His downfall sent shockwaves through Wales, where he had been regarded as one of the nation’s most successful broadcasters.

Clunes “unrecognisable” as Edwards in first promo image

A first‑look image released by Channel 5 shows Clunes sitting at a replica of Edwards’ famous BBC News at Ten desk — complete with the cropped grey hair, black tie and trademark pose familiar to millions of viewers.

Producers say the physical transformation is “stunning”, with Clunes reportedly mastering Edwards’ voice, mannerisms and Welsh accent.

The series has been in development for more than a year, with filming taking place in secret across London and Watford.

A drama tracing a double life

Channel 5 says the drama will follow Edwards’ rise from Welsh newsroom to national figurehead, before peeling back the curtain on the hidden life that spiralled out of control behind the scenes.

The programme will chart how concerns about his behaviour first surfaced, how The Sun’s investigation gathered pace, and how the allegations eventually burst into public view. It will show the moment his wife named him as the presenter at the centre of the scandal, his suspension from the BBC, and the months of speculation that followed.

The narrative then moves into the criminal investigation: his arrest, the charges for making indecent images of children, and the eventual guilty plea in July 2024, when he admitted possessing 41 illegal images — including seven of the most serious category. The drama concludes with his six‑month suspended sentence and his exit from public life.

Channel 5 says it has had exclusive access to journalists, investigators and individuals directly involved in the case.

A major departure for Martin Clunes

The role marks a striking shift for Clunes, who is best known to audiences for playing the grumpy but beloved GP in Doc Martin, a cosy teatime favourite that ran for nearly two decades.

Before that, he became a household name as beer‑loving Gary in Men Behaving Badly, one of the defining sitcoms of the 1990s. He has also taken on more serious roles, including DCI Colin Sutton in ITV’s Manhunt, and has fronted a string of nature documentaries and travelogues.

Taking on Edwards — a disgraced figure whose crimes shocked the nation — is a dramatic departure from the warm, often humorous characters Clunes is associated with. Industry insiders say the challenge of portraying a complex, controversial figure was part of the appeal.

Channel 5: “A shocking story of power and betrayal”

Ben Frow, Channel 5’s chief content officer, said the drama would explore the “human cost behind the headlines”.

“This is an important and shocking story — of how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status.”

The broadcaster says the project is its first collaboration between its factual and scripted teams, combining investigative journalism with dramatic reconstruction.

Controversy already brewing

The announcement has sparked backlash online, with some social media users calling the drama “too soon”, “in poor taste” and “unnecessary”.

Others questioned whether Edwards should be given any further airtime following his conviction.

But Channel 5 insists the series is a vital examination of power, trust and accountability — and says it has been made with extensive research and cooperation from those at the centre of the scandal.

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Martin Clunes Playing Huw Edwards In Channel 5 Drama Series About Disgraced Ex-BBC News Anchor
#Casting #News #Channel5 #HuwEdwards #MartinClunes #Paramount #Power #PowerTheDownfallOfHuwEdwards #WonderhoodStudios

https://deadline.com/2026/01/huw-edwards-channel-5-drama-martin-clunes-bbc-news-1236666325/