BBC presenter Huw Edwards is in hospital with ‘serious mental health issues’, says wife Vicky Flind.
The wife of newsreader Huw Edwards, 61, has named him as the BBC presenter facing allegations over payments for sexually explicit images. This evening, July 12, the news broke that the presenter is now receiving inpatient care in hospital as he is ‘suffering from serious mental health issues’, a statement issued by Ms Flind on her husband’s behalf has confirmed.
Huw Edwards has been treated for severe depression in recent years, the statement continues. Those mental health concerns have been ‘greatly worsened’ by spiralling allegations over the last week made against a ‘BBC presenter’.
The identity of the presenter was the focus of intense speculation, now confirmed as Edwards by the statement made out of concern for his mental well-being.
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In a statement on his behalf, Edwards’ wife Vicky Flind said: “In light of the recent reporting regarding the ‘BBC Presenter’ I am making this statement on behalf of my husband Huw Edwards, after what have been five extremely difficult days for our family. I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children.
“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.
“Once well enough to do so, he intends to respond to the stories that have been published. To be clear Huw was first told that there were allegations being made against him last Thursday.
“In the circumstances and given Huw’s condition I would like to ask that the privacy of my family and everyone else caught up in these upsetting events is respected. I know that Huw is deeply sorry that so many colleagues have been impacted by the recent media speculation. We hope this statement will bring that to an end.”
The statement comes as the Metropolitan Police said no criminal offence had been committed by the presenter. Sources have made clear to the PA news agency that Huw Edwards has not resigned from the BBC.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We have seen the statement from the police confirming they have completed their assessment and are not taking further action. We’re grateful to them for completing this work at speed.
“The police had previously asked us to pause our fact-finding investigations and we will now move forward with that work, ensuring due process and a thorough assessment of the facts, whilst continuing to be mindful of our duty of care to all involved.”
