Disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards has said he intends to “challenge the misleading or fabricated claims” made in the recent Channel 5 drama about him.
The former BBC news presenter became the centre of a grooming scandal in 2023 and a year later pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children.
The 64-year-old was handed a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Edwards has since become the subject of the Channel 5 factual drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, starring Martin Clunes, which aired last month
His grooming victim was just 17 when he was allegedly pressured into sending Edwards explicit content which he says led to him developing a drug addiction.
Discussing the show, he said in a statement on Thursday: “Much has been written and reported in the past week following Channel 5’s one-sided account.”
Edwards went on: “Other opportunities will arise later this year for me to state my case, and to challenge the misleading or fabricated claims made in recent coverage.
“A number of serious questions still remain to be answered, and not just by me. It will now take some time for me to produce my own account, and until then I do not intend to comment any further.”
It is understood Edwards intends to make his own documentary or podcast series about the events.
Edwards previously claimed the production company behind the 5 drama, Wonderhood Studios, failed to check the “truth” of the narratives shown in the series, relating to allegations made by The Sun in July 2023 which claimed that a “top BBC star” paid a teenager more than £35,000 for sexual pictures.
Edwards added that he felt “deep regret and remorse” for his crimes and said his behaviour was “reckless, shameful, and damaging”.
A previous statement from Channel 5 said: “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. All allegations made in the film were put to Huw Edwards via his solicitors six weeks before transmission.”
The victim worked with producers in making the drama and has said he refuses to be “silenced”.
The man, now 23, has said he refuses to let the former broadcaster’s actions “define” his life and has “finally overcome” his battle with drugs.
“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,” he said.
He went on: “I chose to tell my story so no one who has been silenced feels they are alone. Your truth deserves to be heard.”
The man was given control over the drama, with access to the script and authority over production.
Executive producer Samantha Anstiss said: “The victim is an incredible young man and I was struck by his big smile and polite manner when I met him, and how resilient he has been throughout this.
“We said whatever changes the victim wanted would have to be made. He was front and centre of our production approach.”
