Irish Daily Mirror

HUW EDWARDS QUITS BBC ON ‘DOCS’ ADVICE’

News anchor in sex photos storm resigns after 40yrs

- BY MARK JEFFERIES Showbiz Editor news@irishmirro­r.ie

NEWSREADER Huw Edwards has resigned from the BBC on “medical advice” 10 months after he was suspended on full pay amid a sleaze scandal.

Edwards, 62, was the BBC’S highest-paid newsreader, earning upwards of €500,000 a year. In 40 years at the Beeb, he had covered major events, such as William and Kate’s wedding in 2011 and the Queen’s funeral in 2022.

He has not been seen on screen since July, when claims emerged that he had paid a young person for sexually explicit photos.

In a statement yesterday, the BBC said: “Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC.

“After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors.

“The BBC has accepted his resignatio­n, which it believes will allow all parties to move forward.”

FLIRTATIOU­S

His decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors

BBC STATEMENT ON HUW EDWARDS’ RESIGNATIO­N

The BBC confirmed Edwards had not received a pay-off.

It is thought the investigat­ions into his conduct whilst working at the BBC will now be shelved as he is no longer a staff member.

During his suspension, further allegation­s were made that he had sent BBC employees “inappropri­ate, flirtatiou­s messages”.

Yesterday’s announceme­nt came three weeks after The Times reported that Edwards was expected to still be named the BBC’S highest-paid newsreader in July’s annual accounts, having earned up to £439,000 last year. The family of an unnamed young person complained to the BBC about Edwards’ behaviour in May 2023.

Edwards’ wife Vicky Flind publicly named him as the BBC presenter at the centre of the allegation­s in July, revealing her husband was in hospital with “serious mental health issues”.

Edwards took over from David Dimbleby as the BBC’S election night anchor in 2019, and questions will now arise about who will take his place at the forthcomin­g general election.

The first King’s Speech, in November, was anchored by broadcaste­r Nicky Campbell.

 ?? ?? SUPPORT Huw Edwards and his wife Vicky in 2018
GRIM Announcing death of the Queen
SUPPORT Huw Edwards and his wife Vicky in 2018 GRIM Announcing death of the Queen
 ?? ?? TEAM Covering 2011 royal wedding with Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth
TEAM Covering 2011 royal wedding with Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Ireland