By Gavin Mackintosh-
Newsreader Huw Edwards (pictured)is in hospital, after being identified by his wife as the BBC presenter facing a string of allegations including paying a young person for sexually explicit images.
In a major development of the crisis facing the BBC, Edwards wife, Vicky Flind revealed that her husband was suffering from serious mental health issues and was now in hospital, “where he will stay for the foreseeable future”. It was an incredible turn of events after a few days of speculation abut the identity of the BBC presenter at the centre of the allegations.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
It was a shocking bombshell to the British public.
Ms Flind said: T”he past five days had been extremely difficult for her family, adding: “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.”
Mr Edwards, 61, faces four separate claims, including paying a young person around £35,000 for sexually explicit images, breaking strict stay-at-home lockdown rules to meet another young person, messaging a 17-year-old with love hearts and kisses, and sending threatening messages to a fourth person in their early twenties whom he met on a dating app.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
In a statement released to the PA news agency, Vicky Flind, the wife of BBC news reader Huw Edwards said: “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.
“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.
The revelation follows serious allegations made by The Sun newspaper regarding an unnamed high-profile BBC presenter and alleged they had seen evidence of them paying a teenager up to £35,000 for explicit photos of them.
The Met Police assessed the claims and say “there is no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed”. South Wales Police said in April it looked into an issue around the welfare of an adult and “no criminality was identified”.
In recent media speculation. We hope this statement will bring that to an end.”
Edwards is the corporation’s highest paid newsreader, with a pay bracket of £435,000 – £439,999, up from £410,000 – £414,000 last year, putting him fourth on the list of the BBC’s highest paid stars.
Mr Edwards, joined the BBC as a trainee in 1984.
In four decades at the corporation, he has been among the broadcasting teams leading coverage of historical events including the late Queen’s funeral in 2022 and most recently the coronation of the King in May this year.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar