Huw Edwards has hit back at the upcoming Channel 5 drama depicting his downfall, claiming there was no attempt to check 'the truth of any aspect of their narrative' with him.
The two-part series Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards is set to premiere on Channel 5 tomorrow (24 March) and will cover the 2023 revelations that Edwards had paid a teenager for sexual images, as well as being charged with making indecent images of children a year later, which he has since apologised for. After pleading guilty to the three charges, he was sentenced to a six-month jail sentence, which was suspended for two years.
Edwards is played by Doc Martin and Wuthering Heights actor Martin Clunes, with Osian Morgan playing the 17-year-old boy at the centre of the case.
While the interactions between the pair were not considered illegal in themselves, it was thought to be an abuse of power by Edwards due to his public profile.
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As the series approaches its air date, 64-year-old Edwards issued a furious statement, claiming to MailOnline that the programme was unlikely to 'convey the reality of what happened'.
"[They] made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative before going ahead with the production," he told the outlet.
"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."
He added: "Channel 5’s 'factual drama' is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened."
Edwards went on to say that he was preparing to tell his version of events at some point in the future, saying: "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.
"I 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."
He continued: "Mental illness is misunderstood by many, but can never be an excuse for criminality.
"It can, however, at least help explain why people sometimes behave in shocking and reprehensible ways, and why things fell apart for me in the way they did."
A Channel 5 spokesperson told Deadline that the show 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'.
They added: "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."
Edwards' statement follows Channel 5's recent defence of the drama, in which the broadcaster said the series tackles 'urgent' topics around grooming and online safety.
The broadcaster also made the series with consent and input from Edwards' alleged victim - referred to as 'Ryan Davies' in order to protect his identity - with the now 23-year-old explaining to The Guardian why he decided to share his story.
"I chose to tell my story now for the first time so that no one who has been silenced feels they are alone. Your truth matters and it deserves to be heard," he said.
"After years of struggle, I have finally overcome my battle with drugs. I refuse to let Huw Edwards or what he did define who I am or the life I will yet lead."
Topics: BBC, Huw Edwards, TV and Film, Channel 5
Brenna Cooper