Oxford News
Huw Edwards slams new Channel 5 drama with damning statement
Edwards issued a statement condemning the upcoming drama chronicling his downfall.
Premiering tomorrow (Tuesday, March 24), the two-part factual series is titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards.
The show will recount how one of the most recognisable figures in British television was at the centre of one of the biggest scandals at the public broadcaster.
In his statement, Edwards said: “[They] made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative before going ahead with the production.
“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.
“Channel 5’s ‘factual drama’ is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened.”
He continued: “My deep regret and remorse for the crimes I committed were expressed in court.
“In pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity, I took full responsibility for my reprehensible actions.
“I am repelled by the idea that some people enjoy viewing indecent images of children. Every image represents an innocent victim. I offer my sincere and profound apologies for what I did.
“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. have been open about my struggle with persistent mental illness over a period of 25 years.
“What is less well known is the severity of that condition, which was managed successfully until the downward spiral which led to an appalling outcome.”
A 5 spokesperson said in response, 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.
“It has been produced in accordance with Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.
“All allegations made in the film were put to Huw Edwards via his solicitors 6 weeks before transmission.”
Recommended reading:
What did Huw Edwards do?
Edwards was one of the BBC’s highest-paid newsreaders, known for presenting the BBC’s News at Ten for decades, delivering some of the biggest stories to the British public, including Queen Elizabeth II’s death, before pleading guilty to making indecent images of children in July 2024.
In July 2023, a national newspaper reported that “a top BBC star” had paid a teenager for sexual images.
Days later, Edwards’ wife named him as the presenter at the centre of the scandal. He resigned from the BBC in April and was charged in June 2024 following a Metropolitan Police investigation.
Didcot Town FC sent out a reminder yesterday (Saturday March 28), that its event today (Sunday, March 29) has been cancelled.
The show was billed as an afternoon with “three Leeds United Legends… Gordon Strachan and Mel Sterland and Jon Newsome”.
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Mr Strachan is perhaps the best known of the three having also managed Southampton, Celtic, Middlesbrough and Scotland.
To be held at the football club, its description said: “A night you don’t want to miss.
“Filled with historic stories from the lads at their time at the club, funny inside memories and much more.”
However, the event was cancelled and Didcot Town said that despite its request for tickets to be taken off sale by TD Promotions, they were still showing as on sale yesterday.
Today, the event is listed on TD Promotions’ website as being ‘sold out’ and does not mention that it has been cancelled.
A statement from Didcot Town Football Club said: “The Gordon Strachan, Mel Sterland and Jon Newsome event at Didcot Town this Sunday has been cancelled.
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“Despite our request for tickets to be taken off sale by TD Promotions, they are still showing as on sale.
“TD Promotions have said they will be in contact with everyone that bought a ticket next week to sort out refunds.
“Any issues contact didcotmedia@gmail.com and I will give you their details.”
Didcot Town welcomed former Leeds United strikers Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio in September 2025 for an event through TD Promotions.
Didcot’s event featured an auction and raffle, with comedian Jed Stone as the compere and saw a turnout of around 200 people.
This followed on from other high profile events at the club over the past two years which includes the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton and former England footballer Paul Gascoigne.
Thames Valley Police said on Saturday morning that its investigation continues after a duo were arrested on Thursday, March 26 across the county border from Oxfordshire in Berkshire.
A 27-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman from Slough were arrested on suspicion of murder and grievous bodily harm.
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The force said both adults had been released on conditional police bail “pending further enquiries”.
The arrests come after a child “sustained serious injuries” and “tragically passed away in hospital”, according to Detective Inspector Nick Hind from the Major Crime Unit.
The detective said the force’s enquiries are “still at an early stage” and acknowledged the incident is likely to cause “significant concern” in the community.
Hailey CE Primary unveiled the library in conjunction with World Book Day, funded through donations from the Friends of Hailey School, community grants, local business donations and our generous families.
Mrs Davies, headteacher, said: “The school is proud that together we are building a brighter future for our children through the power of reading.”
The library offers a wide selection of books across different genres to help children improve their literacy skills and discover new interests.
Excitement is high within the school community.
Mrs Davies said: “We’re so excited about the opening of our library that everyone’s peeking through the doors to catch a glimpse.
“I cannot wait to unfold the magic behind the books.”
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