A Channel 5 dramatisation depicting Huw Edwards and covering the circumstances that led the disgraced broadcaster to admit guilt for possessing indecent photographs of children in July 2024 will broadcast this evening.
Martin Clunes, known for his role in Doc Martin and recently appearing in the new releases Mother’s Pride and Wuthering Heights, takes on the role of Edwards in Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards.
Edwards, a former BBC presenter, broke his silence this week prior to the drama’s debut and stated that the programme was unlikely to represent the actual events that transpired.
Edwards received a six-month custodial sentence that was suspended for two years and maintained that the production company failed to make any effort to reach him to verify the accuracy of their account.
In his statement, he indicated that Wonderhood Studios did not attempt to confirm with him whether any aspect of their storyline was accurate before proceeding with production.
The company only approached him for a response after filming had concluded, while maintaining the ability to modify any such reply.
They additionally declined to reveal whether any individuals making accusations had received payment for their participation.
Edwards expressed difficulty understanding how such a method could be regarded as responsible or equitable, or how it could align with relevant sections of the Ofcom broadcasting standards code.
He suggested that Channel 5’s factual drama was unlikely to reflect what actually occurred.
Supporting cast members feature Osian Morgan, Ben Bishop portraying Sun journalist Ben O’Driscoll, and Clare Calbraith playing Sun journalist Victoria Newton.
Clunes has disclosed that he initially felt compassion for Edwards, believing the presenter was being publicly identified in the press, before discovering the situation involved much more serious matters.
He explained that it was unusual at the time because authorities would not confirm who was involved, leading numerous BBC presenters to deny it was them, which generated considerable attention before Edwards was officially named.
He recalled being in the middle of rehearsals for Out There at the London Welsh Club as the story emerged, with a photograph of Edwards displayed in the entrance that several people noted.
He experienced initial sympathy for Edwards, as it appeared a public figure was being exposed in the media, and noted from his own experience that publications often aim to be unkind toward prominent individuals.
However, once investigators discovered messages on his device, the situation proved to be far more serious.
The programme airs this evening at 9pm on Channel 5.