Huw Edwards has been named as the BBC presenter at the centre of a high-profile sex picture scandal.
Edwards is now in hospital receiving treatment for “serious mental health issues” which, according to his wife Vicky Flind, were made worse by allegations he had given £35,000 to a teenager in exchange for X-rated snaps.
Following the claims, a statement issued on behalf of Flind asked for her family to be given privacy.
READ MORE: Huw Edwards’ wife’s statement in full with BBC host in hospital after sex pic claims
“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,” the statement read.
(Image: BBC News & Current Affairs via Getty Images)
Flind is a prominent TV figure in her own right, having spent several years working at the BBC where she was the long-time editor of political show The Week.
In 2016 she left the broadcasting company for ITV, where she began working working on Peston on Sunday, now known as Peston and airing midweek. She is currently the series editor.
Edwards and Flind live together in London and share five children, aged 18 to 24.
The pair have historically kept their relationship relatively private, but it was thrust into the spotlight after allegations emerged relating to Edwards’ conduct, which has since seen several more young people and members of BBC staff come forward.
Flind’s statement continued: “In light of the recent reporting regarding the BBC presenter, I’m making this statement on behalf of my husband, Huw Edwards, after what has been five extremely difficult days for our family.
“I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children.
“Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he’ll stay for the foreseeable future.
“Once well enough to do so, he intends to respond to the stories that have been published.
“To be clear Huw was first told that there were allegations being made against him last Thursday.
“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.
“I am doing this primarly out of concern for his mental well-being.”
Metropolitan Police have since confirmed “no offence has been committed” but advised the BBC it can continue with its internal investigation.
“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”, a statement by the force stated.
“Should evidence of criminality or safeguarding issues be identified at any point we would expect matters to be referred to the relevant police force.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
