Martin Clunes on Playing Huw Edwards: “It’s My Job”

Huw Edwards has not sat at a newsreader’s desk since July 2023, when he was suspended by the BBC following a report in The Sun that he had paid a teenager £35,000 (€40,440) for intimate images and conversations. A year later – when new BBC News at Ten anchor Clive Myrie announced that his predecessor had been convicted of possessing indecent images of children – the Welsh broadcaster’s career effectively ended.

But on Tuesday, March 24th, Edwards was back on screen, as portrayed by actor Martin Clunes in Channel 5’s Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, recreating the late-night news slot he occupied for decades.

“Roles Don’t Take Me Over”

Clunes addressed speculation about taking on the role, stating, “Huw had a distinguished career. He’s resigned and that is something that he felt he had to do and it is regrettable. The point now is to move forward.”

When asked if he hesitated about portraying such a controversial figure, Clunes responded, “No. Because it’s my job. Roles don’t take me over.” He likened the challenge to other complex roles he’s taken on, noting that acting unpleasant characters is a professional challenge.

Clunes deflected a question about donating his fee to charity, joking, “It’s Channel 5 so it isn’t that much!” before adding, “I wonder if I will be attacked for being a straight man playing a gay man, which is very unfashionable these days?”

Distinguishing Between Sexuality and Criminal Activity

The drama carefully distinguishes between Edwards’s homosexuality – which he disclosed in a court medical report had long been suppressed – and his criminal sexual interests. The former initially led to trouble, but his downfall stemmed from the latter activities. The series depicts both aspects of Edwards’s life, including an online pursuit of a late-teenage boy, with details provided by the real child’s family, that led to in-person meetings. While not illegal, this was considered an inappropriate use of his public profile.

A Shift in Dramatic Roles

Clunes has recently taken on heavier dramatic roles, diverging from his comedic background in shows like Manhunt and Out There. He too appeared as Mr. Earnshaw in Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights movie. He downplayed the shift, stating, “After 18 years of Doc Martin, anything else would look varied!”

He emphasized the importance of capturing Edwards’s mannerisms, including a slight hesitation and a glance at the backup script before stating numbers, and a characteristic pose with his left arm held away from his body, clutching the desk.

Recreating Key Moments

The drama is framed by Edwards’s announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s death on September 8, 2022, just ten months before his disgrace. Clunes meticulously studied this footage, recognizing its significance as a cornerstone of British broadcasting. He aimed for an exact reproduction of Edwards’s sober tones, delivering the news twice for emphasis.

Clunes also noted his own experience with autocues, having used them extensively on Have I Got News for You and even owning one at home.

The Importance of Authenticity

Clunes spoke with former colleagues of Edwards, who described a coldness beneath the public persona. He also studied footage of Edwards off-air, noting a slight increase in his Welsh accent when not presenting. He also observed Edwards checking his phone during breaks, a detail incorporated into the drama.

The series culminates in a fictional scene where Edwards reads a report of his own conviction, emphasizing the severity of his crimes, including the number of indecent images (41) and the age of the youngest children depicted (between seven and nine).

Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards aired on Tuesday, March 24th at 9pm on Channel 5.