BBC removes ‘Doctor Who’ episode featuring Huw Edwards amid scandal

A tarnished legacy

The BBC has taken significant steps to distance itself from former newsreader Huw Edwards, following his admission of possessing indecent images of children. This move includes the removal of a Doctor Who episode and other appearances by Edwards from its iPlayer service.

The impact on ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘The Great British Menu’

Upon accessing iPlayer, it was discovered that the 2022 and 2023 dessert finals of The Great British Menu, where Edwards appeared as a judge, have also been removed. These actions reflect the BBC’s response to the serious charges against Edwards.

The Doctor Who episode in question, titled “Fear Her”, was part of David Tennant’s debut season as the Doctor in 2006. Edwards’ voice, playing himself, can be heard during a news program that’s part of the episode. Despite the removal of this specific episode, all other episodes of Doctor Who and The Great British Menu remain available on iPlayer.

Community reactions and mural removal

In Llangennech, Carmarthenshire, the Welsh town where Edwards grew up, artist Steve Jenkins painted over a portrait of Edwards that was part of a larger mural in an underpass. Jenkins, who had previously been proud of the mural, expressed his dismay at having to remove it. “The whole village loved it when it was first done,” he shared.

Cardiff council has also taken action, removing a plaque honoring Edwards at Cardiff Castle and discontinuing an audio guide narrated by the former presenter. Additionally, a photograph of Edwards has been removed from the community center in Llanelli.

Legal proceedings and BBC’s response

Edwards admitted to possessing 41 indecent images of children, which were sent to him by a convicted pedophile via WhatsApp. He pled guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, leading to widespread scrutiny of the BBC’s handling of the case.

BBC director general Tim Davie maintained that the BBC acted appropriately when it chose not to terminate Edwards’ employment after learning of his arrest in November 2023. Davie revealed that the BBC was informed of the arrest’s connection to indecent images of children but lacked specific details beyond the category of potential offenses. The executive stated that BBC leadership was unaware of the ages of the children involved in the images.

Davie underlined that the BBC’s decision to withhold information about the potential charges was at the request of law enforcement. He cited the need to balance police cooperation with the organization’s duty of care. Davie also confirmed that, to his knowledge, the BBC does not possess any additional evidence related to the case that has not been shared with authorities.

Financial implications and public outcry

Edwards remained in the corporation’s employment for five months after he was arrested, during which time he earned £200,000 ($256,420). On Friday, U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy called on Huw Edwards to return the salary he earned from the BBC. “I think he ought to return his salary,” Nandy stated. “I think having been arrested on such serious charges all the way back in November, to continue to receive that salary all the way through until he resigned is wrong and it’s not a good use of taxpayers’ money.”

When questioned about Edwards’ pension, Davie noted the challenges in reclaiming such benefits, describing it as “very difficult to claw back, nigh on impossible.” He added that the BBC would “look at all options” regarding pay, despite potential legal hurdles.

Nandy has also had a “very robust and frank discussion about the circumstances around the case” with Davie.

Reflections on the scandal

This scandal has undoubtedly left a significant mark on the BBC and the communities connected to Huw Edwards. The removal of his appearances from popular shows like Doctor Who and The Great British Menu is a clear indication of the BBC’s stance on the matter. It also highlights the broader implications of such actions on public figures and the institutions they represent.

For fans of Doctor Who and The Great British Menu, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal actions and public personas. It also underscores the importance of accountability and the impact of media representation on public trust.

As the BBC continues to navigate the fallout from this scandal, it will be crucial to observe how they balance transparency, legal obligations, and public expectations. The decisions made in the coming months will likely shape the organization’s approach to similar issues in the future, setting a precedent for how media institutions handle allegations against their employees.