BBC plan to replace Huw Edwards for major event as hunt for new host is launched
BBC bosses are considering replacing Huw Edwards for its election night coverage, after the newsreader was suspended earlier this year over his alleged behaviour.
The 62-year-old was alleged to have paid a young person thousands of pounds for sexually explicit images, and while his identity was concealed in the early stages of the investigation back in July, his wife Vicky Flind named him as the suspended star and revealed he was in hospital receiving treatment for his mental health. He has since faced further allegations of "inappropriate behaviour".
The Welsh journalist has helmed a number of huge news events on the BBC over the last few years, including the Queen’s funeral, but he’s also well known for fronting the broadcaster’s extensive election night coverage. However, since the accusations regarding his behaviour were made public, BBC bosses are reportedly considering replacing him on any upcoming election coverage.
Huw has hosted election night coverage in previous years (PA)According to Deadline, the broadcaster is in the “early stages” of planning for an early general election, as it has been rumoured Prime Minister Rishi Sunak could call an early vote. Huw, who earns up to £440,000 a year, signed a new deal with the broadcaster earlier this year and he helmed the BBC’s flagship election night coverage in 2019.
Bosses reportedly fear bringing the newsreader back for the election would cause a serious backlash, and now they’re “struggling” to decide on a replacement. A senior BBC journalist told Deadline it was a “good opportunity” for a woman to step into the role, with political reporter Laura Kuenssberg said to be one of the frontrunners for the role. Question Time host Fiona Bruce, as well as Sophie Raworth are also said to be on the list, as well as Radio 4 Today host Nick Robinson and presenter Jeremy Vine.
Police find body in search for missing BBC editor after Huw Edwards issues plea
The Welsh journalist also presented coverage of the Queen's funeral (BBC)BBC News host Clive Myrie, who has branched out into hosting other shows on the channel, has also been suggested, but David Dimbleby, who has worked on the BBC’s election night from 1979 to 2019, ruled out returning. “Don’t tempt me even to think of the question being asked or of answering it,” he told The News Agents podcast. ”It’s completely out of the question. The BBC’s got to find somebody new.”
The BBC are still investigating the complaints made against Huw, after The Sun published the first in a series of accusations against the journalist. The broadcaster has faced criticism for allegedly failing to act quickly enough when complaints were made against Huw. Last month it was reported the broadcaster's bosses took more than four weeks to respond to a new complaint against Huw.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster told the Mirror in August: “We welcome anyone coming forward with information to contribute to our existing fact-finding investigation. While we wouldn’t comment on the detail of our on-going process, the BBC has reached out to this individual.
“We take all contacts to the BBC very seriously. Our work is progressing and we have set out our approach on these matters in correspondence with the DCMS select committee who have published this on their website.
“Separately we are reviewing our non-editorial complaints process with Deloitte, and this work continues.”
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