Turmoil at the BBC: what the papers say as Huw Edwards is named as presenter at heart of story | UK news

The front pages of UK newspapers are dominated by the revelation that Huw Edwards, one of Britain’s most familiar and well regarded newsreaders, is according to a statement from his wife the BBC presenter at the centre of a scandal that began over allegations in the Sun newspaper about explicit photos.

The Guardian, citing Vicky Flind, reports that Edwards is in hospital to treat “mental health issues” for the “foreseeable future” and quotes her as saying that “once well enough, he intends to respond to the stories published”. The front page adds that police say no evidence of criminality was found “amid questions over the Sun’s reporting.”

The Sun last week reported that the presenter paid a young person, now aged 20, for photos. It suggested this started when the individual was 17 – a potentially serious criminal offence.

But the Guardian notes that “the young person’s lawyer allegedly told the Sun last week that the story was ‘rubbish’ and no illegal activity took place, although the tabloid did not publish this denial until Monday night”.

The i headlines its story “Huw Edwards in hospital for mental health care, says wife”. It writes that Edwards “has been outspoken about his treatment for severe depression in 20-year struggle” and that “The Sun faces scrutiny over its story and says it has no plans to publish further allegations”.

The Sun leads with “Suspended top BBC presenter in hospital”, adding “‘No crime’ … but Beeb make shock new claims”. It writes that Flind’s statement came “as cops said they had no evidence her husband had committed any crime. But, only moments later, the BBC’s own reporters said further complaints had been made against the newsreader – this time by junior staff.”

The Times, which along with the Sun is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News UK, also leads with Flind’s statement. “The TV producer said that her husband, who has previously struggled with his mental health, had suffered a ‘serious episode’ exacerbated by the events of the past few days,” the paper says.

It also reports that “the Met says it won’t investigate explicit photo claims” but notes that “three more allegations were later made against Edwards”.

It quotes the Met as saying “we are aware of media reporting of further allegations against the same individual. No specific details or information about these allegations have been passed to us and therefore there is no police action at this time.”

It also writes that “The Sun said it had no plans to publish further allegations about Edwards and would cooperate with the BBC’s internal investigation process.”

The Daily Mail headlines its story “My husband has serious mental health issues”, publishing a photo of Flind and Edwards walking hand in hand.

It reported that “Stars rallied around the newsman and voice of the nation” and that Flind’s statement came “just minutes after Scotland Yard announced it had dropped its probe into the allegations, saying there was no evidence of any crime”.

The Mirror says there’s a “Crisis at the Beeb”, headlining its story “BBC star Huw’s in hospital after scandal” – reporting that the “storm” had “hospitalised him”, that he is “suffering from serious mental health issues” and that police say there is “no evidence” he has “committed a criminal offence” .

The Metro references the rumours that had been flying around for days as to the identity of the presenter, with the headline “It is Huw Edwards”.

“Vicky Flind named him after ‘five extremely difficult days for our family’ saying it was ‘primarily out of concern for his mental well-being’ and to protect their five children,” the paper wrote.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Edwards was “identified by his own wife” as being at the centre of the scandal. “Ms Flind also pointed out that Edwards’ bosses at the BBC had only told him a complaint had been made six days ago, seven weeks after it had first been brought to the attention of the corporation,” the paper says.

“The BBC will now come under pressure to justify its continued suspension of Edwards, 61, a father of five.”

The Daily Express writes “‘Deeply sorry’ TV anchor receives treatment as police say no crime committed”, over the headline “Huw Edwards’ wife names him as star in BBC scandal”.

The BBC scandal isn’t the top story for the Financial Times but it does feature on the front page, where it writes that “the decision by Edwards’ wife to name him publicly will come as a relief to BBC bosses, who have been under pressure to identify the presenter from both inside its own newsroom and by politicians and former journalists”.

It continues: “However, questions will remain over the BBC’s handling of the affair and whether it should have done more to investigate the allegations earlier.”