EditorMartin Clunes reveals ‘weight of responsibility’ playing Huw Edwards in new TV drama
Actor Martin Clunes has opened up about the “weight of responsibility” that came with portraying disgraced former BBC presenter Huw Edwards in a hard-hitting new TV drama.
Clunes takes on the lead role in Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, a two-part series charting the dramatic collapse of the once-trusted broadcaster.
Edwards, who was born in Bridgend and raised in Llangennech near Llanelli, spent decades as one of the most recognisable faces on the BBC.
But Clunes admits stepping into his shoes — so soon after the real-life events — was a daunting prospect.
“It’s not straightforward,” he said, reflecting on taking on the role.
Martin Clunes as Huw Edwards in Channel 5’s new drama, seated at a replica of the BBC News at Ten desk. (Image: Channel 5)The actor revealed his initial reaction to the script was cautious, given how recent and sensitive the story remains.
“There is a responsibility,” he said, adding that portraying a real person at the centre of such a high-profile scandal required a careful approach.
Rather than attempting a straight impersonation, Clunes said he focused on capturing the essence of Edwards’ on-screen presence.
“I didn’t want to do an impression,” he explained, instead aiming to reflect the calm authority viewers associated with the veteran newsreader.
The drama explores how that trusted public image contrasted with a private life that was beginning to unravel behind the scenes.
Clunes suggested the series goes beyond the headlines, looking at the human story behind the scandal.
“It’s about the person behind it,” he said.
He also acknowledged that the speed of the production adds another layer of pressure, with the events still fresh in the public’s mind.
“People will have their own views,” he noted, as the programme prepares to revisit one of the most talked-about media scandals in recent years.
Despite the subject matter, Clunes indicated the drama avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on telling the story with care.
The casting has already drawn significant attention, with early images showing a striking transformation into the former newsreader.
Best known for long-running roles on British television, Clunes now takes on one of the most high-profile and sensitive parts of his career.
For viewers in Wales, the story is likely to resonate particularly strongly given Edwards’ roots and long-standing presence on national screens.
Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards will air on 24 March on Channel 5 and its streaming service My5.
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