Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards tells the story of the presenter’s fall from grace
Martin Clunes plays Huw Edwards in the drama(Image: PA)
Channel 5 viewers have called a new programme about former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards a “hard watch”.
Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards – starring Martin Clunes in the main role – chronicles the events leading to the presenter’s conviction for making indecent images of children. He was found guilty in 2024, and received a six-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years.
The drama aired on Channel 5 on Tuesday (March 24), centring on Edwards’ alleged interaction with a 17-year-old. The teen, given the fictional name ‘Ryan’, is portrayed by Welsh actor Osian Morgan.
Moments after it began, viewers started posting comments on social media stating that it made for “uncomfortable” viewing, reports Wales Online.
“5 minutes in and can already tell this will be a thoroughly uncomfortable watch,” one viewer posted on X. Another individual admitted they were “already creeped out”.
“Not even halfway and I feel nauseous,” another person shared on the platform, formerly known as Twitter.
“Already creeped out when he calls him ‘baby’,” commented another viewer, whilst someone else confessed they were “speechless” watching the story unfold.
“I’m normally quite hardened to these sorts of dramas but honestly this Huw Edwards programme on 5 is a heck of an uncomfortable watch,” another viewer expressed.
“It’s a hard watch,” concurred another, as one viewer admitted they were turning off.
“I tried watching Power but it’s so grim that I’ve switched over to a repeat of Simon Schama’s History of Britain,” they shared.
“That’s it I have had to turn off this Huw Edwards programme,” said someone else.
Another viewer described the programme as feeling “dark and ominous”.
Numerous viewers also commented on Martin’s depiction of the former newsreader, saying he “nailed it”.
“Clunes is playing a blinder as Huw Edwards,” one individual remarked, whilst another added: “Martin Clunes is giving a career-defining performance. A disturbing, but compelling, portrayal of Huw Edwards.”
“Clunes is really pulling this off,” observed another, with someone else stating that the Doc Martin star’s performance was an “absolute tour de force”.
“Martin Clunes is formidable in his portrayal of Huw Edwards,” praised another impressed viewer.
Power: The Downfall Of Huw Edwards airs on Channel 5.