Martin Clunes Takes on the Role of Huw Edwards in a Fact-Based Drama
In a powerful new television production, actor Martin Clunes steps into the shoes of Huw Edwards, the former BBC news anchor whose career ended in disgrace following a conviction for making indecent images of children. The drama, titled Power: The Downing of Huw Edwards, airs on Channel 5 and delves into the broadcaster's fall from grace, blending factual events with dramatic storytelling.
From BBC Desk to Courtroom: The Downfall of a News Icon
Huw Edwards, once the trusted face of BBC News at Ten, has not appeared on screen since July 2023, when he was suspended after allegations surfaced in the Sun newspaper. The reports claimed he paid a teenager £35,000 for intimate images and conversations. A year later, his conviction for possessing indecent images of children, including seven in the most serious category A, sealed his professional fate. The drama recreates his news desk and late-night broadcasts, with Clunes portraying Edwards in a performance that captures both his public persona and private turmoil.
Clunes on the Challenges of Playing a Controversial Figure
In an interview, Martin Clunes addressed the complexities of taking on such a role. "It's my job. Roles don't take me over," he stated, emphasizing his professional approach to acting. He reflected on potential criticisms, such as being a straight man playing a gay character, but noted the drama carefully distinguishes between Edwards's homosexuality and his criminal actions. "That's why the drama is called Power," Clunes explained, highlighting how Edwards's public influence played a part in his inappropriate interactions with a late-teenage boy, as depicted in the show.
Research and Preparation: Capturing Edwards's Mannerisms
To achieve an authentic portrayal, Clunes immersed himself in research, studying archival footage and speaking off the record with former colleagues of Edwards. He noted that no one described Edwards as "fun," with many recalling an outer coldness. Clunes also adopted specific mannerisms, such as Edwards's habit of hesitating before reading numbers and his distinctive arm posture at the news desk. Makeup techniques, including flattening his ears with putty, helped achieve a striking resemblance without prosthetics.
The Drama's Factual Basis and Legal Considerations
The production is grounded in factual events, using details from court proceedings and Sun reports to avoid legal issues under English libel laws. One scene incorporates a quote from a mental health report given to the magistrate, providing insight into Edwards's mindset. Clunes found this approach added weight to the performance, saying, "This is what he really said. It isn't speculation." The drama concludes with a fantasy scene where Edwards reads his own conviction on Autocue, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes.
Clunes's Evolving Career and Future Projects
Known for roles in Doc Martin and Men Behaving Badly, Clunes has recently taken on more dramatic parts, including a role in Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights movie. He joked about his versatility, noting that after 18 years of Doc Martin, "anything else would look varied!" Despite the controversy surrounding the Edwards drama, Clunes remains focused on his craft, with no plans for a second series, as he believes there is "no way back" for Edwards in public life.
Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards premieres on Tuesday, 24 March, at 9pm on Channel 5, offering viewers a stark look at the intersection of power, media, and personal downfall.
