Huw Edwards' candid BBC career admission before alleged illicit photo scandal
One of the most famous faces on the BBC throughout his 40-year career, newsreader Huw Edwards has been named as the man accused of paying a 17-year-old for indecent images.
The 61-year-old father of five was suspended by the corporation on Sunday as the BBC confirmed it had been in touch with the police over the allegations.
Following days of speculation, his TV producer wife, Vicky Flind, released a statement on his behalf, confirming her husband is receiving in-patient care after suffering serious mental health issues.
The statement read: "In light of the recent reporting regarding the 'BBC Presenter' I am making this statement on behalf of my husband Huw Edwards, after what have been five extremely difficult days for our family.
Huw Edwards' wife has issued a statement on his behalf (BBC)"I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children. Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years."
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The Welsh presenter has worked for the BBC for 40 years, working his way up from trainee in 1984 to a presenter powerhouse, covering major breaking news including the sad death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022.
He has been front and centre of some of the biggest tales and most recently was tasked with providing commentary outside Westminster Abbey for King Charles' Coronation.
In 1986 he became a Parliamentary Correspondent for BBC Wales and remained in the position until 1999 when he took over as the host of the BBC Six O'Clock News. During this time the evening news bulletin became the most-watched programme in Britain.
After his success with this news programme, Huw stepped up to present the News at Ten, a coveted position. The job made the 61-year-old father-of-five a household name and he garnered a legion of fans just for his signature hand-on-desk 'pose' at the start of each broadcast, which spawned its own Twitter account.
The BBC stalwart has been front and centre of news coverage throughout the years, including leading the coverage of King Charles III's Coronation and reporting on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 's wedding.
Huw Edwards' wife has said he is 'deeply sorry' to colleagues affectedDespite these recent career highs, Huw previously admitted he's been considering a future away from the BBC. After his milestone 60th birthday back in 2021, he candidly told BBC Radio Cymru that he was looking ahead to what he might want to do next.
He said: "A time comes when you're bound to reassess what's in front of you. Now that a big milestone is here, which is 60-years-old, it's natural for a man to think 'Am I going to continue in this job for another five years, or do I want to do something different?'" He added: "The nightly news business, after 20 years, that can be taxing, even though I still enjoy the job. But I don't think I'll be doing that for long. Because I believe that, in the first place, I think it's fair for the viewers to get a change.
"Secondly, I have co-workers who are very talented - it's time to give them a chance too." Huw went on to claim that regardless of that, he wouldn't be disappearing from the ten o'clock news anytime soon as he was still "enjoying himself".
However, he was recently suspended from the BBC amid allegations that he paid a teenager more than £35,000 for sexually explicit images.
The 61-year-old newsreader was subject of a complaint to the BBC in May. Alongside a statement confirming his suspension on Sunday, it was reported the BBC had been in touch with the police.
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On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police confirmed detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command have now concluded their assessment and have determined there is no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed.
Hugh Edwards has been at front and centre of royal coverage over the years (Getty Images)A BBC spokesperson said: "We have seen the statement from the police confirming they have completed their assessment and are not taking further action. We're grateful to them for completing this work at speed.
"The police had previously asked us to pause our fact finding investigations and we will now move forward with that work, ensuring due process and a thorough assessment of the facts, whilst continuing to be mindful of our duty of care to all involved."
Separately, a police statement tonight reads: "Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command have now concluded their assessment and have determined there is no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed.
"In reaching this decision, they have spoken to a number of parties including the BBC and the alleged complainant and the alleged complainant's family, both via another police force. There is no further police action. As such, the Met has advised the BBC it can continue with its internal investigation.
"We are aware of media reporting of further allegations against the same individual. No specific details or information about these allegations have been passed to us and therefore there is no police action at this time. Should evidence of criminality or safeguarding issues be identified at any point we would expect matters to be referred to the relevant police force."
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