BBC Veteran Huw Edwards Resigns: Corporation Releases Official Statement

Edwards, the main presenter of the BBC News At Ten, had not been seen since allegations emerged that he had paid thousands of pounds for sexually explicit images.

Huw Edwards, the newsreader, has resigned from the BBC, according to an announcement from the corporation. The BBC cited "medical advice" as the reason for his decision.

Huw Edwards' resignation from the BBC comes after nine months, during which the 62-year-old broadcaster faced allegations regarding explicit images. The accusations involved him allegedly paying a teenager for sexually explicit pictures, which stirred controversy.

As the BBC's highest-earning newsreader, Edwards' departure marks the end of a 40-year tenure with the broadcaster. The decision to resign was reportedly based on medical advice from his doctors.

A BBC spokesperson confirmed Edwards' resignation, stating that it was accepted to facilitate moving forward for all parties involved. They declined to provide further comment on the matter.

In February, the BBC issued an apology to the family implicated in the allegations, acknowledging shortcomings in handling their complaint.

The BBC faced criticism for what was perceived as a delayed response to the complaints regarding Huw Edwards. The allegations surfaced initially in a story by The Sun in July of the previous year. The report claimed that Edwards had paid a teenager over £35,000 for sexually explicit photos. However, the former BBC presenter was not named in the initial report by the paper.

Five days following the publication of the initial report, the Metropolitan Police announced that they would not pursue further action, as they did not find evidence of criminal activity.

The individual involved in the incident communicated through their legal representatives to BBC News, stating that nothing inappropriate or unlawful had occurred.

Following the initial publication of the story, there was significant speculation on social media regarding the identity of the unnamed presenter.

Subsequently, Huw Edwards's wife, Vicky Flind, publicly confirmed his identity as the individual involved in the allegations. She released a statement indicating that he was undergoing treatment for serious mental health issues and was receiving care as an in-patient at a hospital.

Huw Edwards, who has been the main presenter of the BBC News At Ten since 2003, has been absent from screens since the story initially emerged.

His resignation marks the conclusion of a distinguished 40-year career at the BBC. Throughout his tenure, he played a pivotal role in leading the corporation's coverage of significant events, including the reporting of the 2019 general election results and the coverage of major events such as the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

Source: Sky news‍