Martin Clunes will transform into Huw Edwards for a new two-part Channel 5 series exploring the BBC presenter's downfall. The drama, titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, traces Edwards' rise and the scandal involving indecent images of children that led to his suspended sentence. Producers highlight Clunes' striking physical and vocal resemblance in the first promotional image.
The upcoming series delves into the life of Huw Edwards, the former BBC News at Ten presenter from Llanelli, Wales, who once announced Queen Elizabeth II's death but later faced a dramatic fall from grace. Edwards received a six-month suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty in July 2024 to possessing 41 illegal images, including seven of the most serious category.
Channel 5's drama follows Edwards' journey from a Welsh newsroom to a national broadcaster, uncovering the hidden aspects of his life that unraveled. It covers the emergence of concerns about his behavior, The Sun's investigation, his wife's public identification of him as the scandal's central figure, his BBC suspension, arrest, and the ensuing criminal proceedings. Filming occurred secretly in London and Watford after over a year in development, with producers gaining exclusive access to journalists, investigators, and key individuals involved.
A first-look image depicts Clunes at a replica of Edwards' BBC desk, featuring cropped grey hair, a black tie, and his signature pose. Producers describe the transformation as stunning, noting Clunes' mastery of Edwards' voice, mannerisms, and Welsh accent.
This role represents a significant shift for Clunes, known for lighthearted characters like the GP in Doc Martin, which aired for nearly two decades, and Gary in the 1990s sitcom Men Behaving Badly. He has also tackled serious parts, such as DCI Colin Sutton in ITV's Manhunt, alongside nature documentaries.
Ben Frow, Channel 5's chief content officer, emphasized the series' focus on the human cost: "This is an important and shocking story—of how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status." The project marks Channel 5's first blend of factual and scripted teams for investigative drama.
The announcement has drawn online criticism, with some labeling it too soon and in poor taste, questioning further exposure for Edwards post-conviction. Channel 5 maintains it offers a vital look at power, trust, and accountability, backed by thorough research.
