The upcoming drama about controversial former news reporter Huw Edwards has caused a stir, with the actor portraying him hitting back at his criticism.
Edwards has recently released a statement about Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards, a two-part series which is airing for the first time today (24 March) and will cover the revelations made in 2023, detailing his relationship with a teenager.
It was alleged at the time that he paid a teenager for sexual images, later being charged of making indecent images of children just a year on.
He has since apologised for this and pleaded guilty to the three charges, resulting in being handed a six-month jail sentence, which was suspended for two years.
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Edwards claimed that there has been no attempts to check 'the truth of any aspect of their narrative' with him, ahead of the Channel 5 drama's release.
Martin Clunes, known for his roles in Doc Martin and Wuthering Heights, has now hit back at Edwards' statement, which also claimed that he is 'making an effort to produce my own account of these terrible events'.
Osian Morgan will be playing the 17-year-old boy at the centre of the case.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Clunes said: "I appreciate that he's upset that we've made this programme, but he would have reported on other downfalls, other people's disgraces, without a second thought."
He advised those who think it's 'too soon' to avoid watching it altogether, admitting that he doesn't think it's too soon to get the story out there.
When the presenter pointed out that it's not too soon to talk about how powerful people can abuse their position, Clunes admitted: "I didn't know this sort of caper went on."
Channel 5 have responded to Edwards' claims, saying: “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.”
It is noted that while Edwards interactions with the teenager aren't strictly illegal, they are perceived as a misuse of power by the former BBC reporter due to his position in the public eye.
"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 in a statement to MailOnline.
He added: "Channel 5’s 'factual drama' is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened."
Chaannel 5 also received consent and input from Edwards' alleged victim, known as 'Ryan Davies' to protect his identity.
The now 23-year-old told The Guardian: "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,
"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: Huw Edwards, Channel 5, Crime
Joshua Nair