Huw Edwards issues critical statement on upcoming 5 TV drama depicting his downfall

Huw Edwards has issued a statement on an upcoming 5 drama chronicling his journey from respected BBC newsreader to convicted sex offender.

Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is a one-off feature-length programme produced by Wonderhood Studios, in collaboration with The Sun journalists who broke the story and the family of the young man at the centre of their initial story.

In a front page reading 'Top BBC Star in Sex Pics Probe', the tabloid exposed that Edwards had paid a young person for sexual images, having been in contact with them since they were 17 years old.

5's drama tells the story from the perspective of that individual, who remains anonymous to this day. The drama refers to them by the false name of 'Ryan' (portrayed by Under Salt Marsh's Osian Morgan).

Edwards criticised Wonderhood in a statement provided to MailOnline, claiming that the production company "made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative before going ahead with the production".

He continued: "They belatedly asked for a response after the drama had been made, while reserving the right to edit any such response. They also refused to disclose whether any of those making allegations had been paid for their contributions."

"I am making an effort to produce my own account of these terrible events. This is a slow process given the fragile state of my health," said Edwards.

"Mental illness is misunderstood by many but can never be an excuse for criminality. It can, however, at least help explain why people sometimes behave in shocking and reprehensible ways, and why things fell apart for me in the way they did."

Edwards went on to question whether the 5 drama was "responsible or fair," or "in compliance with key sections of the Ofcom code on broadcast standards".

In its response, broadcaster 5 assured that the drama had been produced "in accordance with Ofcom's Broadcasting Code".

In a statement, a spokesperson for the channel told Radio Times: "Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards is based on extensive interviews with the victim, his family, the journalists who revealed his story, text exchanges between the victim and Edwards, and court reporting.

"All allegations made in the film were put to Huw Edwards via his solicitors six weeks before transmission."

Martin Clunes portrays Edwards in the 5 drama, starring opposite Morgan, Sian Reese-Williams (Hidden/Craith) and Jason Hughes (Midsomer Murders), as 'Ryan', his mother and stepfather respectively.

Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards will premiere on 5 on Tuesday 24 March 2026.

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