Disgraced BBC newsreader Huw Edwards has reportedly declined an offer to play himself in a forthcoming film. The movie, titled "The Janitor," focuses on the downfall of a fictional leading broadcaster and was to feature Edwards in a cameo role. Producers from Big Bear Little Bear Productions reportedly discussed a fee with Edwards, with the condition that any payment would be donated to charity.
Sources close to the former presenter suggest that Edwards, who was convicted of making indecent images of children, still wishes to present his own account of the events leading to his public downfall. However, he does not believe the film role is the appropriate avenue for his return to the public eye. Filming for "The Janitor" has commenced in Birmingham, with actor Harry Kirton cast as the titular character, a man who cleans up the messes of the powerful. The film's storyline draws inspiration from real-life scandals within the media industry, including the cases of Jimmy Savile and Edwards.
Edwards was previously a high-earning BBC newsreader, on a salary of £520,000 a year. He received a six-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to receiving 41 indecent images of children, including sexual videos of a boy under nine, from paedophile Alex Williams. These images varied in classification, with seven being Category A, 12 Category B, and 22 Category C.
Recently, Edwards launched a Substack column offering analysis on current affairs and mental health, which some interpret as an effort towards public redemption. His former publicist, Barry Tomes, has expressed skepticism about Edwards's chosen platform, stating that he believes the public is not interested in his opinions on current events and that Edwards "has to accept that nobody cares about his opinion on the new Prime Minister or the economy."
This film offer follows a Channel 5 drama that dramatized Edwards's crimes in March. At that time, Edwards indicated plans to produce his own documentary or podcast series to present his "side of the story," promising to challenge misleading or fabricated claims made in recent coverage. He stated that a number of serious questions remained unanswered and that he intended to present his own account in due course.
Edwards separated from his wife of 30 years and has relocated to Wales to live an isolated life with his elderly mother. His suspended prison sentence is due to conclude in two months. The Substack posts, under the title "Croeso. Fáilte. Bienvenue. Welcome," offer thoughts on national and local matters, drawing on his four decades in broadcast journalism. He also indicated a willingness to discuss the criminal justice system and mental illness, hoping his experiences might help others facing similar challenges. He has stated there are no plans for paid subscriptions.
