ACTOR Martin Clunes today said he was in the role of a “monster” when playing the part of paedophile Huw Edwards.
The actor, 64, appeared on to discuss tonight’s one-off drama based on the ex-News at Ten anchor’s downfall.
Martin Clunes today said he was in the role of a “monster” when playing the part of paedophile Huw EdwardsCredit: ITV
Clunes stars in Power: The Downfall of Huw EdwardsCredit: PA
Edwards released a whining statementCredit: PA
Power: The Downfall of – which charts how The Sun’s exposed his behaviour – will be broadcast tonight at 9pm.
It charts how Edwards groomed a young man on social media, while paying him for explicit images.
Interviewed by , Clunes said: “The whole thing was made with the complicity of the family of the boy that we call Ryan, and with him as well.
“In a sense it’s his story, and I’m kind of the monster in it.”
Asked by if he used intimacy as a trap he replied: “Kind of. Yes. The word power is everything in it.
“There’s a weird circularity to this because, I appreciate he’s upset by the fact we’ve made this programme, but he would have reported on other downfalls and other people’s disgraces without a second thought.
“It goes round and round, the media thing.”
The show charts how Edwards, 64, groomed a young man on social media, while paying him for explicit images.
Yesterday, Edwards in which he failed to apologise to the family of the young man he groomed online.
The former News At Ten anchor has now got himself an agent and is understood to be attempting a comeback.
In a statement, Edwards said: “[Programme producers Wonderhood] made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative before going ahead with the production.
“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.
“Channel 5’s ‘factual drama’ is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened.”
The broadcaster separately pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, and in September of the same year he was given a six-month sentence, suspended for two years.
He didn’t hand himself in but was caught after another paedophile was arrested who had been sending him hideous images.
During the , a number of messages was found on his phone including an exchange with the man who was later convicted of sex offences.
Paedophile Alex Williams sent Edwards 377 images via the app, including 41 indecent images of children, some showing a victim aged between seven and nine.
Edwards’ statement goes on to say: “My deep regret and remorse for the crimes I committed were expressed in court.
“In pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity, I took full responsibility for my reprehensible actions.
“I am repelled by the idea that some people enjoy viewing indecent images of children.
“Every image represents an innocent victim. I offer my sincere and profound apologies for what I did.”
Edwards also said he plans to tell his side of the story, but added it is a “slow process given the fragile state of my health“.
A source told the Daily Mail: “Huw has got himself an agent and we are going to be seeing something of him in the coming months.”
The mother of the young man at the centre of our allegations last night said she was “sickened” by the statement and there was “still not an apology to us.”
She added: “No remorse for the family he ripped apart.”
A Channel 5 spokesperson said: “Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards 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.
“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 six weeks before transmission.”
Edwards in the studio for News At TenCredit: Getty
Edwards walks outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court in July 2024Credit: Reuters
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
