Renowned BBC presenter Huw Edwards has officially resigned from the broadcasting giant, citing “medical advice” as the driving factor behind his decision, the corporation confirmed on Monday.
Edwards has been absent from the airwaves since last July, following reports in newspapers alleging his involvement in the exchange of sexually explicit images with a young individual. The broadcaster, known as one of the BBC’s most prominent news anchors, has been a fixture in the media landscape for decades, often leading coverage of major national events.
In a brief statement released on Monday, the BBC announced Edwards’ departure, stating, “Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC. After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors. The BBC has accepted his resignation, which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We don’t believe it appropriate to comment further.
His resignation comes amid reports last year that he had been hospitalized for “serious mental health issues,” as disclosed by his wife. These developments followed allegations published in the Sun newspaper, suggesting that an unnamed BBC presenter had engaged in transactions involving explicit images with a person who was 17 at the time.
Despite days of speculation regarding the presenter’s identity, Edwards’ wife, Vicky Flind, publicly revealed his name, expressing concerns for his mental well-being and their family’s privacy. Flind disclosed that Edwards had grappled with severe depression in recent years, but Edwards himself has refrained from making any public statements on the matter.
Edwards had been suspended from his duties since July, with the BBC confirming that he has not received any severance pay as part of his departure. Despite being the corporation’s highest-paid newsreader, Edwards opted to step down from his role, bringing an end to his four-decade-long tenure with the BBC.
In July, authorities in London and south Wales opted not to pursue any criminal charges against Edwards, citing insufficient evidence of wrongdoing. The Welsh presenter, who began his career with BBC News as a trainee in 1984, ascended to become one of the primary anchors on BBC One’s Ten O’Clock News and played a pivotal role in broadcasting significant national events, including general elections, royal ceremonies, and announcements of historic significance
