Huw Edwards branded 'shameless' by victim's family after sharing 'sickening picture' in 'comeback attempt'

The move has triggered speculation that the once-celebrated newsreader, who remains only halfway through a two-year suspended sentence, may be positioning himself for a return to public life.

The disgraced ex-BBC presenter's decision to share the image drew fierce criticism from victims' families, politicians, children's charities and PR professionals, who branded the post "shameless" and an affront to those he harmed.

The stepfather of the teenager Edwards groomed was among the most vocal critics of the Facebook post.

He told The Sun: "If he thinks he can just put up a picture of himself and it's going to change the way people think about him, he's wrong. He's scum."

The man, who had initially reported Edwards to the BBC only to be ignored, added: "You can paint over cracks but you can never hide them. He's finished, he's a paedophile."

He insisted that Edwards's public appearances represented a direct insult to those he victimised, stating: "Any time he raises his head it is an insult to his victims. He needs to realise this is it and disappear."

One of the BBC presenter's victims also spoke out, asking: "Does this man have no shame? Edwards should just go away quietly but this sickening picture suggests the opposite of that."

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick weighed in with a scathing assessment of Edwards' behaviour.

He said: "Huw Edwards was lucky to avoid prison. If he had any remorse he would never show his face in public life again."

Edwards was spared jail in September 2024 despite admitting to three counts of making indecent images of children, receiving instead a six-month custodial term suspended for two years.

The court heard he had described vile child abuse videos sent to him as "amazing" - and responded "go on" when offered images of a boy aged approximately eight years old.

PR expert Mark Borkowski warned that Mr Edwards' photographic display risked appearing insensitive and deliberately provocative.

He said: "A picture like this tells you he wants to be seen again. But one stylish photograph can't rewrite the past. It risks looking tone-deaf, even provocative."

Marilyn Hawes, founder of the charity Freedom from Abuse, condemned the post as a "disgrace" that exposed Edwards' narcissistic tendencies.

She said: "It shows what a narcissist he is. He doesn't think he's done anything wrong. If he had any conscience he'd give his payout back."

Another PR specialist, Mayah Riaz, cautioned that the timing appeared premature and calculated.

She observed that the portrait looked more like strategic positioning than genuine contrition, warning that audiences would not be deceived by a moody headshot and soft launch approach.

Among the backlash, a number of supporters of the former BBC newsreader posted supportive messages beneath the new profile picture.

Several praised him personally despite the widespread criticism elsewhere.

“Miss your news reading mate,” one user wrote, while another said: “I hope you are keeping well Huw. Remember, you have so much talent to share.”

A third commented: “Some people never leave your heart and would love see you around again,” and another added: “Wow, looking really well Huw.”

Mr Edwards pleaded guilty in July 2024 to accessing indecent photographs of children, having left the BBC on medical grounds months earlier.

Among the 41 images he admitted possessing, seven were classified as Category A, the most serious classification.

The father of five was sent the material via WhatsApp by Alex Williams, a 25-year-old convicted sex offender. Edwards was ordered to undertake a sex treatment programme as part of his sentence.

The BBC has yet to recover £200,000 in salary paid to Edwards between his arrest in November 2023 and his departure from the corporation.

Meanwhile, his £4.75 million Dulwich home was quietly withdrawn from sale last month after failing to attract buyers despite repeated price reductions totalling £750,000.