Yahoo News BBC’s Clive Myrie reacts to Huw Edwards’ resignation
Huw Edwards resigned from the BBC after 40 years
Watch: BBC’s Clive Myrie reacts to Huw Edwards’ resignation
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Clive Myrie has responded to the news that Huw Edwards has stepped down from his high-profile job at the BBC.
Last week Edwards resigned from the BBC on medical grounds after 40 years of service, the broadcaster said. The lead presenter of BBC News at Ten has been off air since July when Edwards was named by his wife Vicky Flind as the presenter who had allegedly made payments for sexually explicit images to a young person.
The Sun first published the claims about the "unnamed BBC presenter" sparking speculation about who it could be on social media before Edwards' wife spoke out to say it was her husband. Flind said her husband "was suffering from serious mental health issues" and that he was admitted to hospital. The Metropolitan Police said at the time no criminal offence had been committed by Edwards. The presenter has not been seen in public.
Now Myrie, who is one of BBC's chief news presenters and correspondents, has said there was "no question" that Edwards' resignation was "regrettable" because of his "brilliancy as a broadcaster". The BBC journalist reacted to the news in a new interview on Good Morning Britain.
What, how and why?
TV host Richard Madeley opened the conversation about Edwards when Myrie joined him and Charlotte Hawkins in the Good Morning Britain studio. He said: "Tell us about the atmosphere currently - particularly last week in the BBC newsroom?"
He went on: "Because what a car crash to end a distinguished career. Huw Edwards' career is clearly over. What were the feelings in the BBC newsroom? Were people relieved that the situation was resolved and that he is gone? And did you think that he had to go?"
But Myrie confessed he has yet to go back to the BBC studio since the news broke. "This is absolutely an honest response," Myrie said. "I have no clue. I haven't been in the office since. I'm in tonight."
Madeley didn't let the line of questioning go as he changed tact. He asked for Myrie's personal opinion instead. "What are your feelings then?" He asked.
Myrie had kind words to share about Edwards and his "distinguished" career. He said Edwards' resignation was "regrettable" as he praised the star for his "loyal service" and "brilliancy as a broadcaster".
He said: "Look I mean Huw had a distinguished career, he has resigned and that is something that needs to... He felt he had to do. And it is regrettable, no question - given his loyal service and brilliancy as a broadcaster. The point now is to move forward."
Cheekily Madeley quipped: "Does that involve you getting his job?"
"Who knows?" Myrie said. "If the news gods decide that should be this should be case but fine."
Keen to change the conversation, the journalist told Madeley: "But we're going to talk about my Caribbean road trip."
Huw Edwards' resignation
Edwards worked for the BBC for 40 years. As the most high-profile news anchor at the BBC, he was chosen to cover the major news stories including the Queen's death in September 2022.
The BBC shared a statement following Edwards' resignation.
A spokesperson for BBC said: "Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC. After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors. The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We don’t believe it appropriate to comment further."
However, the young person's mother told The Sun: "We’re also suffering and have been immensely for nearly a year. We still have so many questions and need the BBC to answer them.
"We are worried that we won’t get answers now Huw’s resigned yet we desperately need them."
