Channel 5 has come under fire for announcing Martin Clunes will be the lead role in a forthcoming production chronicling the dramatic fall from grace of former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards.
The Doc Martin actor will portray him in Edwards in Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, a two-part factual drama currently in development.
This project represents the broadcaster's first joint effort between its factual and scripted commissioning departments, having been in preparation for approximately twelve months.
The series will examine how a teenager was allegedly manipulated by one of British television's most prominent figures.
Edwards in Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is a drama currently in development
| PAMr Clunes' portrayal will trace the veteran presenter's concealed existence as circumstances spiralled beyond his control, ultimately leading to his complete departure from public life following conviction for serious child sexual offences.
Edwards spent decades as one of the BBC's most recognisable faces, regularly anchoring the News at Ten and ranking among the corporation's highest-paid presenters.
His career began in Wales before he rose to become a trusted figure delivering some of the nation's most significant news stories.
Among his most notable broadcasts was the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II's death, cementing his status as a pillar of British journalism.
Martin Clunes is set to portray the disgraced newsreader
|5 BROADCASTING LIMITED/MATT TOWERS/WONDERHOOD STUDIOS/PARAMOUNT
Following the confirmation of the drama though, many have argued Channel 5 have moved "too soon".
On an Instagram post, one wrote: "No no no. Don't give this oxygen."
A second penned: "Too soon," while a third asked: "Who would want to watch this?"
Another echoed, posting: "Nope. bad taste."
"In very poor taste," another repeated.
Someone else argued: "Pointless and unwarranted. But people will profit from it financially, was the child involved asked or considered?"
A different person simply wrote: "Don’t want to know, won’t watch," as another questioned: "Why oh why do we need a to drama? He shouldn’t be given any airtime." (sic)
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Huw Edwards admitted to making indecent images of children | PABy September 2022, Edwards was regarded as one of the country's most dependable newsreaders, entrusted with communicating crucial events to millions of viewers.
That reputation collapsed in July 2024 when Edwards entered a guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates' Court, admitting to three counts of making indecent images of children.
Court proceedings revealed that Edwards had engaged in WhatsApp exchanges with a man who transmitted 41 indecent photographs of children to him over a period spanning December 2020 to August 2021.
The forthcoming Channel 5 production promises to delve into the presenter's "double life" and chronicle how the scandal gradually came to light.
Martin Clunes will be taking on the role of Huw Edwards
|PA
The programme will feature contributions from journalists who originally broke the story.
When Edwards was first publicly identified amid the allegations, his then-wife Vicky Flind issued a statement citing concern for his mental wellbeing and their children's protection.
She disclosed that he had been receiving treatment for severe depression and that recent events had triggered "another serious episode" requiring hospital admission.
Reports indicated the couple had separated prior to July 2024, with Edwards having left their Dulwich residence.
Ben Frow, Channel 5's chief content officer, emphasised the gravity of the production, stating: "This is an important and shocking story of how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status.
"By gaining exclusive access to the key individuals involved and those who investigated the story, we explore the human cost behind the headlines."
He added: "As a close collaboration between 5's factual and scripted teams, this is a first for the channel."