BBC anchor quits after furore over photos

LONDON: Veteran news anchor Huw Edwards resigned from the BBC on Monday on “medical advice”, the broadcaster said, nine months after he become embroiled in a scandal over sexually explicit images involving a teenager.

Edwards, 62, had been the BBC’s lead presenter in key events, such as the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, but was suspended in July 2023 when allegations first emerged.

“Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC,” the broadcaster said in a statement. “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.”

Earlier this year the BBC apologised to the family of the man who the broadcaster said Edwards had paid for sexually explicit pictures when he was a teenager.

As the accusations became front-page news last July, Edwards’ wife Vicky Flind said the father-of-five was “suffering from serious mental health issues” and had been admitted to hospital.

The man’s family had complained to the BBC about Edwards in May 2023.