News reader Sophie Raworth was forced to make a correction after announcing Huw Edwards is the BBC presenter facing allegations.
Sophie Raworth told viewers Huw Edwards had resigned after his wife came forward to announce he was the presenter at the centre of allegations. The BBC News at Six programme opened this evening announcing he had been named as the presenter at the centre of the scandal, which has rocked the BBC over recent days.
The 61-year-old TV presenter's wife shared a statement confirming Huw was the male presenter alleged to have paid a teenager money in exchange for explicit photographs, MirrorOnline reports.
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Journalist Sophie Raworth opened the evening news programme and said: "At six, Huw Edwards is the presenter accused of paying a teenager for explicit photos. In the last few minutes, he has announced his resignation.
However, a few moments later the host clarified Huw has not resigned from the BBC.
She said: "I must just correct something as well because this is all breaking in the last few minutes but he is not resigning. He has been named by his wife, he has not resigned."
It comes after the presenter's wife shared a statement to name him as the BBC star alleged to have paid a young person for sexually explicit images.
Huw's wife Vicky Flind said in a statement: "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."
*If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk
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