![\"Martin](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/martin-clunes.png\")
<\/p>\nMartin Clunes has opened up about the emotional toll of portraying disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards, revealing he \u201cfeels sorry\u201d for the former broadcaster\u2019s family as he addressed their absence in a new TV drama. <\/p>\n
The actor, 64, takes on the role of Edwards in Channel 5\u2019s upcoming programme Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, set to air on Tuesday 24 March. <\/p>\n
The drama explores Mr Edwards\u2019s interactions with a teenage victim, referred to as Ryan, and Mr Clunes admitted filming those scenes was deeply uncomfortable. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt was hard towards the end,\u201d he said. \u201cHearing the vulnerable voice of this boy and the hurt in those exchanges \u2014 I didn\u2019t feel very nice after filming them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The actor embodied the former newreader and studied his mannerisms<\/p>\n
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CHANNEL 5 <\/p>\n
Despite the heavy subject matter, Mr Clunes said he was supported by both his co-star Osian Morgan, who plays Ryan, and a trusted camera crew he had worked with before. <\/p>\n
The programme has already sparked debate about whether it is too soon to dramatise events following Mr Edwards\u2019s conviction. <\/p>\n
But Channel 5 executives have defended the timing, arguing the drama highlights important issues such as grooming, online safety, and abuse of power. <\/p>\n
Mr Clunes also addressed why the story does not explore Mr Edwards\u2019s family life \u2014 a notable omission given the public attention surrounding them.<\/p>\n
![\"Huw](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/huw-edwards.png\")
The former BBC employee pleaded guilty to having indicent images of children <\/p>\n
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BBC <\/p>\n
\u201cHuw Edwards is the bad guy,\u201d he said bluntly. \u201cWe don\u2019t need to see the bad guy\u2019s family.\u201d <\/p>\n
Still, he was clear that he does feel empathy for them. <\/p>\n
\u201cI do feel sorry for them,\u201d he admitted. \u201cThere\u2019s no denying that families of people who commit these crimes are secondary victims. But this is Ryan\u2019s story.\u201d <\/p>\n
By keeping the focus on the victim\u2019s experience, Mr Clunes believes the drama delivers a more powerful and necessary message \u2014 even if it means leaving parts of the wider story untold.<\/p>\n
![\"Martin](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774336277_472_martin-clunes.png\")
Mr Clunes said he felt sorry for Mr Edwards’ family <\/p>\n
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CHANNEL 5<\/p>\n
While Mr Clunes underwent a striking physical transformation to embody the former BBC presenter, he said the story deliberately avoids focusing on #Mr Edwards\u2019s family \u2014 a decision he stands by, despite acknowledging their suffering. <\/p>\n
Mr Clunes altered his appearance significantly for the role, pinning back his ears and following the 5:2 diet in a bid to mirror Mr Edwards\u2019s look. <\/p>\n
He also carefully studied the presenter\u2019s mannerisms, from his precise haircut and side-parting to his distinctive posture behind the news desk.<\/p>\n
![\"Huw](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/huw-edwards.jpg\")
The star was captured during his time in court <\/p>\n
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GETTY <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t really sound like him, but we watched him every night on TV \u2014 he seeps in a bit,\u201d Mr Clunes explained, adding that he and his wife spent hours listening to archive recordings to capture Mr Edwards\u2019s unique vocal rhythms. <\/p>\n
That preparation extended to recreating some of Mr Edwards\u2019s most recognisable moments, including his delivery of the news of the Queen\u2019s death in 2022. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat needed real mimicry,\u201d Mr Clunes said. \u201cThose rhythms and sounds had to be spot on.\u201d<\/p>\n