Disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards has reportedly formed a close bond with a retired teacher who is providing him with emotional support as speculation grows about a potential return to public life.
An Unlikely Friendship and Pastoral Support
Edwards, 64, who was once the BBC's highest-paid presenter, has been seen frequently with Meinir Loader, 70, a former head of religious studies from Carmarthenshire in west Wales. Ms Loader, who is unmarried and has no children, works as a volunteer police chaplain for Dyfed-Powys Police, offering pastoral and spiritual guidance.
Their friendship is believed to be platonic, with Ms Loader providing a non-judgemental sounding board for Edwards following the collapse of his 30-year marriage to wife Vicky Flind. A source described Ms Loader as a "lovely Christian lady" who is skilled at listening, adding that Edwards feels comfortable confiding in her.
Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that Ms Loader is not assisting Edwards in her professional capacity as a chaplain. Her role, described on the force's website, involves offering "non-directive, non-evangelistic and non-judgemental confidential counsel" to officers and staff.
Speculation Fuelled by Social Media Activity
The revelation of their meetings follows Edwards posting a brooding, professional black-and-white photograph of himself as a new Facebook headshot last month. This glossy image, showing Edwards smirking at the camera, sparked immediate speculation that he was planning a comeback.
However, a source told the Daily Mail that Edwards has no intention of re-entering broadcasting or any form of journalism. The picture is believed to have been originally posted on social media back in 2019, before his life was tainted by scandal. His reasons for using it again and liking positive comments remain unclear.
Since separating from his wife, Edwards has been living at his elderly mother's bungalow in the village of Llangennech, keeping a low profile. Neighbours note he parks his car on the drive and enters via the back, rarely engaging with them. One neighbour confirmed seeing Edwards and Ms Loader together in his car, leaving the cul-de-sac.
A Rapid Fall from Grace and Legal Consequences
Edwards's downfall began in July 2023 when allegations surfaced that a BBC presenter had paid a teenager for explicit photos. His wife, Vicky Flind, named him as the subject days later, stating he was in hospital for depression. He never returned to work and quit the BBC in April 2024.
In a separate police investigation, Edwards was charged with three counts of making indecent images of children. The charges related to 377 sexual images, including 41 of children, sent to him via WhatsApp by convicted paedophile Alex Williams between December 2020 and April 2022.
In July 2024, Edwards pleaded guilty to all charges. Two months later, in September 2024, he was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and placed on the sex offenders' register. He was also ordered to attend a sex offender treatment programme and pay costs.
Court proceedings revealed he had described vile abuse videos as "amazing" and responded "go on" when offered images of a young boy.
His main focus is now said to be his 89-year-old mother, Aerona. Flind reportedly filed for divorce in October 2023, and their £4.75 million Dulwich home, after failing to sell, has been taken off the market.
Ms Loader, who retired in 2015 after a 38-year teaching career, has been a police chaplain for a decade. She was a principal runner-up in the 2022 Lord Ferrer's Awards for her volunteer work, praised for her "total dedication" and support during times of distress.
