Martin Clunes has opened up about the deeply unsettling archive footage he reviewed of Huw Edwards while preparing for a new television drama, highlighting one particular moment that left a lasting impression. The 64-year-old actor takes on the role of Edwards, also 64, in Channel 5's forthcoming series, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, which dramatises how the former BBC news anchor became embroiled in a serious grooming scandal.
The Conviction and Drama Synopsis
In July 2024, Huw Edwards, who had presented the BBC's News at Ten for many years and announced major stories such as the death of Queen Elizabeth II, pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children. The series synopsis states: 'The drama explores the story of how a vulnerable 17-year-old was groomed by one of the most powerful figures in television - Huw Edwards.'
Starring Martin Clunes as Edwards, the programme delves into the newsreader's secret double life as it spiralled out of control, culminating in his dramatic exit from public life following his conviction for serious child sexual offences. Edwards maintained a hidden online presence, repeatedly soliciting explicit sexual photos from young men and specifically grooming a vulnerable teenager.
Details of the Offences
Additionally, Edwards had established a separate online friendship with another individual who, between December 2020 and August 2021, sent him messages containing child abuse imagery, which he accessed. This included so-called 'Category A' images, representing the most extreme material.
Clunes' Preparation and Haunting Discovery
Trailers and first-look images have offered glimpses into Clunes' transformation into the former newsreader. In an interview with The Times, Clunes detailed his research process, explaining that he watched footage of Edwards outside the newsroom to capture his demeanour. He noted, 'We’ve seen that Huw Edwards,' and elaborated, 'Little snippets of him at awards ceremonies or when he was off duty, to see how he rolled. He’s a tiny bit more Welsh when he’s not reading the news.'
This investigation led Clunes to a piece of archive footage that he described as 'chilling.' He shared, 'One of the archive bits I watched was an outside broadcast. He’s outside Number 10 at night in a coat, and he’s just texting, waiting to go live, which I found chilling in light of what we know.'
Further Research and Cast Details
For additional insight, Clunes contacted some of Edwards' former colleagues. He remarked, 'I don’t want to be drawn into slagging Huw Edwards off, because I don’t see that as my role. But I didn’t hear any compliments.'
The cast includes Osian Morgan as the teenager central to the initial allegations, with Ben Bishop and Clare Calbraith portraying The Sun's news editor Ben O'Driscoll and editor Victoria Newton, respectively. Chanel Crosswell joins them in the role of reporter Scarlet Howes.
Legal Concerns and Broadcast Information
A former BBC executive has issued a stern warning to Channel 5, suggesting that the drama about Edwards 'will rapidly run into legal problems.' Roger Mosey, who previously led BBC TV News, expressed that the series is 'very risky' and advocated for a 'documentary approach' as a safer alternative.
Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is scheduled to air on March 24 on Channel 5 and its streaming service My5.
