Channel 5's 'power: the downfall of huw edwards' explores the disgraced newsreader's double life

Channel 5's new drama series, 'Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards,' delves into the scandalous life of the former BBC newsreader who was convicted of making indecent images of children. The two-part feature-length series depicts Edwards' double life spiraling out of control until his conviction for serious child sexual offenses led to his total exit from public life.

Meet the real-life figures behind the story

Huw Edwards, played by Martin Clunes, was a household name as the lead anchor for BBC's News at Ten before resigning in 2024 following his guilty plea to three counts of making indecent images of children. Clunes is known for his roles in 'Doc Martin,' 'Nativity 3,' and 'Wuthering Heights.'

'Ryan Davies,' the 17-year-old Edwards groomed to share explicit content, is portrayed by Welsh actor Osian Morgan, who has appeared in 'Emmerdale,' 'Waterloo Road,' and 'Pobol Y Cwm.'

Carys, the mother of 'Ryan,' is played by Sian Reese-Williams, a familiar face in British TV dramas like 'Hidden,' 'Line of Duty,' and 'Y Gwyll.'

Victoria Newton, the current Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, which broke the story on Edwards, is portrayed by Clare Calbraith, known for her roles in 'Vera,' 'Downton Abbey,' and 'The Missing.'

Ben O'Driscoll, the executive news editor at The Sun involved in the investigation, is played by Ben Bishop, who has appeared in 'Whitechapel,' 'Planet of the Apes,' and 'Don't Look Back!'

Scarlet Howes, the Sun reporter who broke the story of Edwards paying a teenager for sexual images, is portrayed by Chanel Cresswell, a BAFTA winner for her role in 'This Is England' and its sequels.