5's Huw Edwards drama wins big ratings
And Martin Clunes could well win an award for it.
Channel 5’s latest true crime drama Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards pulled in just under two million viewers last night, marking a strong debut for the broadcaster’s bold new factual-drama hybrid — but sparking sharply divided reactions from critics.
The series, led by Doc Martin star Martin Clunes, chronicles the dramatic fall from grace of one of Britain’s most recognisable newsreaders. While Clunes’ performance has been widely praised, the programme itself has been described by some reviewers as “dull” and “a thin, headlines to tv drama with little substance”.
Martin Clunes praised in gripping but divisive drama
Clunes takes on the role of Edwards, portraying a complex and deeply troubling double life that ultimately unravels in public view. Critics have singled out his performance as the standout element of the production, with many noting his ability to capture both the authority and fragility of the disgraced broadcaster.
The drama traces Edwards’ journey from trusted public figure to convicted offender, culminating in what the programme frames as the “greatest announcement of his career” — his total withdrawal from public life following conviction for serious child sexual offences.
From national voice to national scandal
In September 2022, Edwards stood at the centre of British public life, delivering the historic announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s death to millions. At the time, he was widely regarded as one of the most trusted figures in UK broadcasting.
However, the drama reveals a hidden life unfolding in parallel. Online, Edwards was repeatedly soliciting explicit images from young men and grooming a vulnerable 17-year-old over an extended period. The programme also depicts his contact with another individual who sent messages containing child abuse imagery between December 2020 and August 2021 — material Edwards accessed, including so-called ‘Category A’ images, considered the most extreme.
Scandal unfolds after explosive media report
The series reconstructs the moment the scandal broke in July 2023, when a national newspaper reported that “a top BBC star” had paid a “teenager for sexual pictures”. The revelation triggered intense public scrutiny and a police investigation into Edwards’ online activity.
This ultimately led to Edwards pleading guilty to making indecent images of children at Westminster Magistrates Court, bringing a definitive end to his broadcasting career.
Backed by extensive research and exclusive access
Producers say the drama is based on more than a year of detailed factual research, including first-hand interviews and co-operation from individuals directly involved in the case. The production also had exclusive access to The Sun’s award-winning investigation, which played a key role in bringing the story to light.
The result is described as an “unflinching” portrayal that aims to go beyond headlines, exploring the psychological and human dimensions behind the scandal.
Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer, 5 said: “This is an important and shocking story – of how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status. By gaining exclusive access to the key individuals involved and those who investigated the story, we explore the human cost behind the headlines. As a close collaboration between 5’s factual and scripted teams this is a first for the channel.”
David Abraham, Founder and Group CEO, Wonderhood Studios said “This project marks Wonderhood’s first step into drama and builds on our record in producing premium documentaries about challenging subjects that matter. Drama is also a medium with the power to uncover profound psychological truths, and we are incredibly grateful to our brave contributors in trusting us with their story.”
Mixed reviews but strong audience interest
Despite its mixed critical reception, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards appears to have struck a chord with viewers, with its near two-million audience suggesting strong public interest in high-profile true crime stories involving figures of authority.
Whether the series will maintain its audience in the coming episodes remains to be seen, but its debut has already cemented its place as one of Channel 5’s most talked-about dramas of the year.