Broadcaster Huw Edwards named by his wife as BBC presenter at centre of scandal

Huw Edwards, who has been named as the presenter at the centre of a scandal. Picture: Matt Crossick/PA Wire

The wife of newsreader Huw Edwards has said he is “suffering from serious mental health issues” and is receiving “in-patient hospital care” as she named him as the BBC presenter facing allegations over payments for sexually explicit images.

Following days of speculation as to the identity of the BBC presenter at the centre of the allegations, Vicky Flind said in a statement that she was speaking out on her husband’s behalf.

She 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.

"To be clear Huw was first told that there were allegations being made against him last Thursday.

"In the circumstances and given Huw's condition I would like to ask that the privacy of my family and everyone else caught up in these upsetting events is respected.

"I know that Huw is deeply sorry that so many colleagues have been impacted by the recent media speculation. We hope this statement will bring that to an end."

The statement came shortly after the Metropolitan Police said no criminal offence had been committed by the presenter.

The BBC have said they will continue their own investigation into the events.

Mr Edwards has been the news anchor for a number of crucial moments in history - including the death of Queen Elizabeth II, two weddings involving royal family members as well as US presidential inaugurations.

A BBC statement on Wednesday afternoon said: "We have seen the statement from the police confirming they have completed their assessment and are not taking further action. We’re grateful to them for completing this work at speed.

"The police had previously asked us to pause our fact finding investigations and we will now move forward with that work, ensuring due process and a thorough assessment of the facts, whilst continuing to be mindful of our duty of care to all involved.”

Journalists and high profile media figures are among those who have sent support to the "superb broadcaster".

Former press secretary Alastair Campbell recounted how he and Edwards had spoken often about depression.

He said in a tweet on Wednesday evening: “Like virtually everyone else, I know absolutely nothing about the events that have led to the statement by Huw Edwards’ wife. But I do know that he is a superb broadcaster.

“I know too that he has a long history of depression. He and I have spoken about it often, including in an interview for @MensHealthUK shortly before the Queen’s death which he covered so brilliantly.

“Precisely because he is both well known and well liked he is the perfect target for those who would undermine and indeed would like to destroy the BBC… “The police having said no action to be taken, whatever he did or did not do is a matter for him and his family, and for the BBC.

“The obsession with this story has been a further sign of a media that has frankly become weird. But I hope – almost certainly in vain – that Huw and his family are given the privacy they need and to which they are entitled.

“And the same goes for all others involved in this story. I hope he is getting good care and wish it was available to all who struggle with their mental health.”

BBC World presenter John Simpson has said he feels “so sorry for everyone involved” in the matter including Edwards.

“I feel so sorry for everyone involved in this: for the Edwards family, for the complainants, and for Huw himself”, he wrote on Twitter.

“No criminal offences were committed, so it’s a purely personal tragedy for everyone involved. Let’s hope the press leave them all alone now.” Former BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker added on Twitter: “This is an awful situation and will come as a big shock to many.

“Huw Edwards is clearly not in a good place at the moment and this must be terrible for his family.

“I just hope that whoever needs help – on all sides of this – gets the time, space and support they need to heal.”