Note: The following article contains discussion of serious sexual misconduct.
Disgraced former newsreader and convicted sex offender Huw Edwards appears to have joined the self-publishing platform Substack, almost three years after he last appeared in his role at the BBC. The broadcaster was handed a six-month prison sentence in 2024, suspended for two years.
The now-64-year-old had pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children, according to the Crown Prosecution Service. As part of his sentencing, he also had to pay costs of £3,000.
Posting yesterday, an account under his name - which seems to include a new photograph of himself - announced plans to write once a week about "current affairs and cultural analysis" as well as "mental health, overcoming trauma, and attempting to rebuild some kind of worthwhile life".
He wrote: "After four decades years [sic] in broadcast journalism — with a focus on Welsh, British and French politics — I am still a keen observer of events.
"There will be some who do not wish to read my work, and I respect that choice. But for those who might be interested, I would like to start tentatively by offering some commentary and analysis based on my long experience."
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In another post, published today (25 June), he wrote about the possibility of Andy Burnham becoming the next Prime Minister.
This return to journalism comes three months after a major TV drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, portrayed his shocking fall from grace, with Martin Clunes playing Edwards.
Related: Martin Clunes reveals what got him through "uncomfortable" role as Huw Edwards in new drama
Following the show's broadcast, Edwards' publicist said on Good Morning Britain that he wanted to "tell his side", sparking backlash from hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid, as well as viewers (via Wales Online).
Speaking after his sentencing, Claire Brinton of the CPS said in a statement: "Accessing indecent images of children perpetuates the sexual exploitation of them, which has deep, long-lasting trauma for these victims.
"The CPS and Metropolitan Police were able to prove that Edwards was receiving illegal images and videos involving children via WhatsApp. This prosecution sends a clear message that the CPS, working alongside the police, will work to bring to justice those who seek to exploit children, wherever that abuse takes place.”
However, a spokesperson for the National Network to End Child Abuse told The Sun: "A suspended sentence for offences of this severity sends the wrong message. Child sexual abuse material is not victimless. It involves real children and real harm and must be treated accordingly by the courts.”
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, which works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on its website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
Shaun is an Evening News Editor at Digital Spy, with over a decade of experience reporting on all things pop culture. He has written for outlets including Metro, Attitude, Huffington Post, The Mirror, Yahoo!, Pink News and Express Online, specialising in TV, movies, soaps, music and LGBTQ+ issues. He is also a BAFTA Rocliffe-winning scriptwriter, having written episodes of the soap Hollyoaks, the official Steps musical Here & Now and multiple Offie Award-nominated plays. He studied English Literature and Drama at the University of East Anglia, and will happily talk at length about Desperate Housewives to anyone who'll listen.
