Martin Clunes’ Jaw-Dropping Transformation into Huw Edwards for Channel 5’s Powerful Drama

Martin Clunes’ Jaw-Dropping Transformation into Huw Edwards for Channel 5’s Powerful Drama

Channel 5 has unveiled a first look at its upcoming two-part factual drama, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, showcasing Martin Clunes in a stunning transformation as the disgraced BBC presenter. The metamorphosis is so remarkable that Clunes is nearly unrecognizable, promising a gripping portrayal of a complex character.

About the Drama

The series, produced by Wonderhood Studios, delves into the disturbing tale of how a vulnerable 17-year-old was groomed by one of the most powerful figures in television. The drama explores the Welsh newsreader’s double life, which spiraled out of control, leading to his conviction for serious child sexual offenses and his subsequent exit from public life.

The Plot

Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards examines the fall from grace of Huw Edwards, once one of Britain’s most trusted and high-profile newsreaders. Edwards was chosen to lead the coverage of major royal and political events, including the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022.

However, behind the scenes, Edwards harbored a dark secret. Online, he repeatedly solicited explicit sexual photos from young men, particularly grooming a vulnerable 17-year-old. He also developed a separate online friendship with a man who sent him messages containing child abuse imagery from December 2020 to August 2021.

In July 2023, Edwards’ secrets began to unravel rapidly after a national newspaper reported that ‘a top BBC star’ had paid a ‘teenager for sexual pictures’. Concurrently, the police started investigating Edwards’ online activity, leading to his guilty plea for making indecent images of children at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Production and Cast

The new series is based on extensive factual research, including firsthand interviews and cooperation from those at the center of the scandal. It also draws from exclusive access to The Sun newspaper’s investigation into Edwards, promising an ‘unflinching’ drama.

Martin Clunes, known for his roles in Manhunt, Doc Martin, and Out There, stars as Huw Edwards. Clunes is no stranger to portraying real-life figures, having played London Met detective Colin Sutton in ITV’s crime drama Manhunt and author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in Arthur & George.

The BAFTA-nominated actor is celebrated for his versatility, natural authenticity, and commanding screen presence. While he established his career in comedic roles such as the 1990s sitcom Men Behaving Badly, Clunes has seamlessly transitioned to hard-hitting dramas like Manhunt, Out There, and A Mother’s Son.

The show is written by Mark Burt, known for The Trial, and directed by BAFTA and Emmy winner Michael Samuels, renowned for The Windermere Children and Any Human Heart.

Release Date

A release date for Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards has yet to be announced. Stay tuned for updates on this highly anticipated drama.

For more information, visit the official Channel 5 website.