Huw Edwards: The presenter is causing more problems for BBC as they struggle to find replacement

Star presenter Huw Edwards was caught in a scandal in July 2023. At first, it was revealed by The Sun that an unnamed presenter had been paying an underage man for explicit pictures. Only a week later, on 12 July 2023, Huw Edwards was named as the presenter by his wife Vicky Flind.

While the police have concluded that no criminal activity was conducted, the BBC still has to lead an internal investigation. In the meantime, Edwards is nowhere to be seen, leaving viewers wanting answers. More than that, the BBC is still dealing with the aftermath of having to let go of their top presenter.

Viewers want to hear from Huw Edwards

When Huw Edwards was revealed as the presenter who had paid an underage person over £30,000 for explicit pictures, the presenter had already been removed from our screens.

Then, when he was named by his wife, her statement announced that Edwards was suffering from mental issues and that he had been placed into a mental institution.

Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years. The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he'll stay for the foreseeable future.

Her statement also said that in due time Huw Edwards would respond to the story. Almost two months in, Huw Edwards is still nowhere to be found. Edwards was a pillar of the BBC, especially when it came to election night. He is also the one who announced Queen Elizabeth’s death to the nation. His absence is therefore noticeable.

Read more:The Sun: 'Dominator and dictator' of the tabloids voted least trusted news outlet

Who can replace Huw Edwards?

On 2 September 2023, The Guardian titled an article ‘No one expects him back’: what now for the BBC’s Huw Edwards?’ In the article, written by Jim Waterson, it is explained that since the scandal Huw Edwards had been very quiet. Some of his colleagues saying that they haven't spoken to him in weeks.

Waterson’s article also highlights the fact that Edwards doesn’t have much support in the newsroom as the presenter hasn’t always ‘endeared himself to fellow BBC staff and management.’ That being said, Huw Edwards was the man for many tough jobs including election nights.

Deadline reports that the BBC, in preparation for an upcoming general election, is looking for someone who could replace Huw Edwards. However, the hunt for a replacement is proving harder than expected. First of all, the mere thought of having Edwards back to host election night coverage is close to impossible after his scandal. But the issue remains as election nights take months to plan and the BBC is ‘struggling to know who to fill it with.’

It is reported that Laura Kuenssberg could step in as she already hosts the BBC’s political flagship show Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg. Even though it was reported that Sunday With… had lost 700,000 viewers in a year, Kuenssberg appears as the natural choice to replace Edwards.

Those are big shoes to fill, and to do so, Kuenssberg would have to overcome one major obstacle. Indeed, it appears that she is not convincing all viewers, especially because she is very private. In an interview with The Telegraph on 6 September it came to light that to become a household name like Edwards, Kuenssberg would have to be relatable. Edwards did open up about his struggle with depression making the public empathise and identify with him.

Other presenters could step in for the job such as Fiona Bruce or Jeremy Vine. However, the BBC hasn’t commented on the matter.

Read more:

⋙ Laura Kuenssberg loses thousands of viewers as the BBC continues to be hit with bad news

⋙ Dan Wootton scandal brings up many crucial questions about treatment of Schofield and Edwards

Sources:

Sky News: Huw Edwards: Wife's statement in full

The Guardian: ‘No one expects him back’: what now for the BBC’s Huw Edwards?

Deadline: BBC Considers Replacing Huw Edwards On Election Night Show As Presenter Remains Suspended

The Telegraph: Laura Kuenssberg interview: ‘I’m happy to set the record straight – the ratings are in rude health’