According to a recent poll, the public wants Huw Edwards to return to BBC News.
Last week, the 61-year-old broadcaster was named as the suspended BBC presenter at the core of allegations when it was revealed that an unnamed BBC star had paid a young person more than £35,000 for sexually explicit photos.
The Met police later stated there is no proof of a crime being committed, while Edwards’ wife issued a statement on his behalf, stating that her husband was “suffering from major mental health concerns.”
He is currently undergoing in-patient hospital treatment, where he will remain for the foreseeable future, according to her.
Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, has subsequently stated that an inquiry will ‘continue’.
According to a Survation poll conducted by the Mirror, 53% of people polled wanted Edwards back on BBC News at Ten if he is cleared of serious misconduct.
A third, 32%, said he should not be allowed to return to work on the show, while 60% of those aged 45 to 64 backed his reinstatement.
Aside from the supposed Newsnight probe, the BBC is undertaking its own.
‘We are moving forward with our fact-finding investigations,’ a spokesperson said.
‘We are going to get on with this work calmly, carefully and with diligence, with full consideration of our duty of care to all involved. We will not be providing further comment while this work is ongoing.’
Meanwhile, some of Edwards’ colleagues have voiced their worry about him.
Channel 5 star Dan Walker described it as an ‘awful situation’ which ‘will come as a big shock to many’.
‘Huw Edwards is clearly not in a good place at the moment and this must be terrible for his family,’ he added. ‘I just hope that whoever needs help – on all sides of this – gets the time, space & support they need to heal.’
And Alastair Campbell wrote on Twitter: ‘Like virtually everyone else, I know absolutely nothing about the events that have led to the statement by Huw Edwards’ wife.
‘But I do know that he is a superb broadcaster. I know too that he has a long history of depression.
‘He and I have spoken about it often, including in an interview for @MensHealthUK shortly before the Queen’s death which he covered so brilliantly.’
He continued: ‘I hope he is getting good care and wish it was available to all who struggle with their mental health.’
