15 July 2023 , 19:20
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Panicking BBC bosses told staff in an email that “gossip will not be tolerated” amid raging speculation over the Huw Edwards scandal.
The Beeb was flung into crisis last week as it emerged Huw, 61 – who was not initially named – allegedly paid a teenager £35,000 for explicit photos.
The revelation followed a burst of finger-pointing, with the likes of Jeremy Vine, Rylan Clark and Gary Lineker having to deny they were the unnamed star. Now, Beeb sources have told how chiefs sent a widely circulated email about the “delicate situation” ahead of Huw’s identity emerging.
One source said: “The purpose of the email was very clearly to contain the situation and stop BBC staff fuelling the fire that had been blazing since the story broke.
The Met is taking no action against Edwards (PA)“Members of staff were told clearly that gossip could be damaging, and would not be tolerated. The situation was described as ‘delicate.’ And the warning shot on their part seemed to work, as people mostly did keep quiet about the situation and didn’t share their opinions.”
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The BBC is probing Ten O’Clock News anchor Huw, who remains suspended.
Newsnight broadcast further claims that he pursued younger staff with flirtatious messages and “abused” his position as one of the Corporation’s biggest stars.
It was last night claimed the BBC is still gathering information about the £435,000-a-year host. Huw was identified as the star at the heart of the furore by his wife Vicky Flind, who revealed on Wednesday that he was suffering from “serious mental health issues” and “is now receiving in-patient hospital care”.
She said the father of five intends to respond to the stories once well enough.
Her statement came as the Met Police confirmed it was taking no action.
Yesterday, a Survation newspaper poll revealed 53% of readers wanted Huw back on TV if he is cleared of serious wrongdoing. Only 32% felt he should not be allowed to continue in his role.
The BBC declined to comment.