Huw Edwards is receiving hospital treatment for mental health issues following allegations made against him, including that he paid a teenager for sexually explicit images.
His wife Vicky Flind released a statement on his behalf this evening, stating that the veteran BBC presenter – who has spoken about his issues with depression before – is currently receiving ‘in-patient hospital treatment’ and will remain there for the ‘foreseeable future’.
Edwards was named as the BBC employee at the centre of the allegations after days of speculation following the publication of an article in The Sun on Friday.
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There has since been further coverage from both the alleged victim and their parents, as well as both an internal BBC investigation and an investigation from the police.
Today, the police reported that there is no evidence of criminal activity and the Metropolitan Police had previously said that no criminal offence had been committed by the presenter, which has now been named as Edwards.
The BBC is now resuming its own investigation ‘whilst continuing to be mindful of our duty of care to all involved’.
Flind’s full statement reads: "In light of the recent reporting regarding the 'BBC Presenter' I am making this statement on behalf of my husband Huw Edwards, after what have been five extremely difficult days for our family.
"I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children.
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"Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years.
"The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he'll stay for the foreseeable future.
"Once well enough to do so, he intends to respond to the stories that have been published.
"To be clear Huw was first told that there were allegations being made against him last Thursday.
"In the circumstances and given Huw's condition I would like to ask that the privacy of my family and everyone else caught up in these upsetting events is respected.
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"I know that Huw is deeply sorry that so many colleagues have been impacted by the recent media speculation.
“We hope this statement will bring that to an end."
The 61-year-old has worked for the BBC for four decades, presenting the flagship news bulletin at 10:00pm for 20 years.
He is one of the most recognisable faces at the broadcaster, having delivered coverage of moments such as royal weddings, the inauguration of US President Barack Obama, and – more recently – the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
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Edwards is also one of the best paid employees at the BBC, earning a salary of between £435,000 and £439,999 in 2022/23, according to Sky News.
He and Flind have five children together.
No formal allegations have yet been made.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone
(For US readers):
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If you or someone you know is struggling or in mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline.
Topics: UK News, TV and Film, BBC, Huw Edwards, Health, Mental Health
Tom Wood