Ofcom investigates Huw Edwards complaint over Channel 5 drama

Former BBC presenter Huw Edwards has lodged a complaint with Ofcom regarding a Channel 5 drama depicting his downfall. The investigation centers on the show "Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards," which starred Martin Clunes and aired earlier this year. The Channel 5 production, which became the channel's highest-rated show of the year, attracted 3.8 million viewers in four weeks.

According to Edwards, the program gave a misleading and unfair portrayal of his downfall. He claims he was not given a fair opportunity to respond to inaccuracies and fabrications in the program. Ofcom is investigating the complaint under its "fairness and privacy" rules, examining whether the program treated Edwards unfairly or infringed on his privacy.

Channel 5 has defended the program, claiming it was based on extensive interviews with Edwards, his family, journalists who revealed his story, text exchanges, and court reporting. Edwards, who pleaded guilty to accessing indecent photographs of children in 2024 and was sentenced to six months in prison (suspended for two years), has also expressed concerns about the program's depiction of the events leading to his downfall.