BBC’s highest-paid presenter Huw Edwards finally quits nine months after teen photograph scandal
Huw Edwards has finally quit the BBC on “medical advice” — nine months after he was suspended over allegations he paid a teenager thousands of pounds for sexual images.
Following uncertainty since last summer about the News at Ten host’s future, the Corporation put out a statement saying he had “resigned”.
The BBC said it believed the move would “allow all parties to move forward”.
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It has been confirmed that Edwards has not received a pay-off and his exit will be with immediate effect.
But it is expected that he will still be eligible for a generous BBC pension.
The father-of-five was suspended last July over the claims he paid the young person for explicit images.
It had been reported that an unnamed presenter had paid ‘more than £35,000’ for the pictures.
His identity was made public by Edwards’ wife Vicky Flind, who said he was “suffering serious mental health issues”.
Earlier this year, the Corporation admitted there had been “shortcomings” in the way it dealt with the case after the youngster’s family said the BBC had “ripped them apart”.
Monday’s statement said Edwards “has explained his decision was made on the basis of medical advice”.
It added: “The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward.”
Industry sources said that the statement pointedly omitted any expression of thanks to Edwards for his 40 years of service.
His exit comes after he won plaudits in 2022 for his handling of the announcement of the Queen’s death and coverage of her funeral.
One insider suggested the BBC had been keen to resolve the situation so it could “get on the front foot” with plans for its general election coverage, which prior to the scandal Edwards had been expected to front.
He is now expected to be replaced by Laura Kuenssberg and Clive Myrie.
In February, the BBC apologised to the family of the teenager, admitting their complaint was “not escalated quickly enough” to top bosses.
The complaint was first logged in late May 2023.
But it was not until July that director-general Tim Davie and his top team, as well as Edwards, were informed of the allegations.