BBC presenter Huw Edwards is set to remain in hospital for the 'foreseeable future' after being named as the person accused of paying a teenager for explicit pictures.
Edwards was named by his wife, Vicky Flind, after accusations about a BBC presenter's behaviour were first reported by The Sun newspaper.
The presenter was accused of giving more than £35,000 to a young person in exchange for images, beginning when the teenager was 17 years old.
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In a statement released to the PA News Agency, Flind spoke on behalf of Edwards and confirmed that he learned on 6 July that allegations were being made against him.
Explaining that her statement came 'primarily out of concern for [Huw's] mental well-being and to protect our children', Flind went on to say that her husband is 'suffering from serious mental health issues'.
She continued: "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."
Flind explained that Edwards plans to respond to the stories that have been published about the allegations 'once well enough to do so', but that for the time being he is in hospital receiving in-patient care.
This is 'where he’ll stay for the foreseeable future', Flind said.
She added: “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.”
No formal allegations have been brought forward against Edwards, and the Metropolitan Police have said no criminal offence has been committed by the presenter.
In response to the Met Police's stance on the matter, 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.”
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone
Topics: UK News, BBC, Huw Edwards
Emily Brown