Former BBC news presenter Huw Edwards has broken his silence for the first time following a suspended prison term handed down for viewing indecent photographs of children.
Edwards released a statement criticising the forthcoming drama depicting his recent downfall.
The two-part factual programme, called Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, is set to air on Tuesday, March 24.
The series will detail how one of the most prominent personalities in British broadcasting became embroiled in one of the most significant controversies to hit the public broadcaster.
In his statement, Edwards remarked that the producers made no effort to verify the accuracy of any element of their account prior to proceeding with filming.
They only approached him for a comment after production had concluded, while maintaining the ability to modify any such response.
They also declined to reveal whether any individuals making claims had received payment for their involvement.
The Channel 5 production described as a factual drama is unlikely to reflect what actually occurred, according to Edwards.
He went on to state that his profound regret and contrition for the offences he committed were articulated during court proceedings.
By entering his guilty plea at the earliest possible moment, he fully accepted responsibility for his deplorable conduct.
He expressed disgust at the notion that individuals derive pleasure from viewing illegal images of minors, emphasising that each photograph represents a blameless child. He extended his heartfelt and sincere apologies for his actions.
Edwards is attempting to prepare his own account of these distressing circumstances.
This is progressing slowly due to his poor health. He has previously discussed his battle with long-standing mental health difficulties spanning 25 years.
Less understood is the seriousness of his condition, which had been effectively controlled until a deterioration that resulted in a shameful conclusion.
A Channel 5 representative responded that Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards draws upon comprehensive interviews with the complainant, their relatives, the journalists who broke the story, message exchanges between the complainant and Edwards, and courtroom coverage.
The programme adheres to Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code, the spokesperson confirmed.
All assertions contained in the film were submitted to Edwards through his legal representatives six weeks before broadcast.
Edwards ranked among the BBC’s most highly compensated news presenters, famed for fronting the News at Ten for many years and bringing major national events to audiences, including the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, before admitting guilt to creating indecent images of children in July 2024.
In July 2023, a national newspaper disclosed that a leading BBC personality had transferred money to a young person in exchange for explicit images.
Shortly afterward, Edwards’ spouse identified him as the broadcaster at the heart of the controversy. He departed from the corporation in April and faced charges in June 2024 after a Metropolitan Police inquiry.