Huw Edwards breaks silence over Channel 5’s ‘unflinching’ new drama about his downfall

Huw Edwards has spoken out about Channel 5’s upcoming drama series, Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards, which explores the story of “how a vulnerable 17-year-old was groomed by one of the most powerful figures in television,” according to the synopsis. 

In a new interview, the 64-year-old presenter said there was “no attempt” to check the truth of the narrative before the show was made. 

“[They] made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative before going ahead with the production,” Huw said of Wonderhood Studios, the production company behind the two-part drama. 

© Shane Anthony Sinclair/BAFTA

“They belatedly asked for a response after the drama had been made, while reserving the right to edit any such response,” the presenter told the Daily Mail, adding that they also refused to reveal whether those making allegations had been paid for their contributions. 

“Channel 5’s ‘factual drama’ is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened,” he said. 

Huw also revealed that he’s planning to make his “own account of these terrible events,” which he says is a “slow process” given the “fragile state” of his health. 

© BBC News & Current Affairs via G

“Mental illness is misunderstood by many but can never be an excuse for criminality,” he explained, adding that it can, however, explain “why people sometimes behave in shocking and reprehensible ways”. 

What is Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards about? 

The new drama, which airs on Tuesday March 24 at 9pm on 5, follows the downfall of one of the BBC’s highest-paid and most-trusted newsreaders, who led the coverage of major royal and political stories, including the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022. 

© ©5 Broadcasting Limited / ©Won

In July 2023, a report by The Sun alleged that a “top BBC star” had paid a teenager for sexual pictures. His wife, Vicky, later named him as the broadcaster involved in the scandal and he was charged in June 2024 following a Met Police investigation. 

In July 2024, Huw pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and admitted to having 41 photographs on WhatsApp, including seven of the most serious type.

The upcoming drama, which promises to be “unflinching”, builds on extensive factual research, including extensive first hand interviews and co-operation from those at the heart of the scandal and exclusive access to The Sun newspaper’s investigation. 

© ©5 Broadcasting Limited / ©Won

The series paints a “complex, emotional and nuanced portrait, revealing how the grooming of a vulnerable 17-year old over many months led to Edwards’ downfall, disgrace and the end of his life in the public eye,” according to the synopsis.  

Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards will air Tuesday March 24 at 9pm on 5.