Shamed newsreader Huw Edwards tried to groom a teenage musician after seeing him perform in his school uniform and offered him a personal tour of the BBC, according to a new documentary.
In a new claim of predatory behaviour by the former BBC News at 10 presenter – spared jail after admitting making indecent images of children – is said to have asked the starstruck sixth former to follow him on Instagram.
Edwards, now 63, then promised to help his music career and sent him suggestive messages calling him ‘babe’ and ‘big boy’ littered with hearts and kisses, the youngster – referred to as Emyr – claimed yesterday.
The former face of the BBC is alleged to have invited the student – then aged just 18 – on a personal tour of the newsroom in London as part of a pattern of what he now sees as ‘grooming’ behaviour.
Emyr has now blasted BBC bosses for allowing Edwards a free rein and not having further checks in place for visitors’ safety.
Speaking to Welsh language broadcaster S4C’s programme Y Byd ar Bedwar, Emyr said: ‘People like him believe they can do whatever they want, and abuse their power.’
Emyr said he was performing in his school uniform at a community concert where Edwards was the compère.
‘He came up to me at the end of the night to say hello,’ he told documentary-makers.
A young man known as Emyr – not his real name – has told a new TV investigation into Huw Edwards that the disgraced broadcaster sent him sexually suggestive messages on Instagram
Huw Edwards, 63, once one of the BBC’s most respected broadcasters, is seen here in his police mugshot – released after he pleaded guilty to making images of child sexual abuse
‘He said that the performance was good, that I was very talented and that he wanted to connect with me.’
Emyr alleges that Edwards told him to follow him on Instagram and that he could help him with his music career, telling the programme: ‘He asked me if I wanted to meet him in London and have a tour of the BBC, where I could meet a few contacts.’
Awestruck Emyr – not his real name – accepted the invitation and was given a personal tour of the newsroom.
Edwards introduced him to BBC colleagues as a ‘friend’ who had a ‘musical talent’ and Emyr said he was promised opportunities to perform at concerts in London – but this never happened as they messaged back and forth on Instagram.
In those messages, the broadcaster – almost 40 years older than Emyr – would send kisses and hearts emojis in his messages, as well as calling him ‘babe’ and ‘big boy’.
Emyr initially thought Edwards’ language was ‘banterous’ but later realised it was something more sinister.
‘He was trying to flirt. It was some sort of grooming communication,’ he said.
But after a few months and Emyr not returning the flirtatious messages their communication stopped and Edwards unfollowed him.
Edwards was previously anchor of BBC1’s News At Ten and one of Britain’s most prominent newsreaders before his arrest and conviction
Edwards is seen in a court artist picture standing and listening to judge Paul Goldspring delivering his sentencing remarks at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in September this year
Huw Edwards leaving Westminster Magistrates’ Court with his legal team following his sentencing , having received a suspended six-month sentence on September 16
Emyr said: ‘He just lost interest in me. I don’t think I gave him what he was looking for.’
Emyr believes that the broadcaster abused the power he held as one of the BBC’s most prominent presenters.
‘I feel very sad for the people who have been affected worse than me. I feel lucky in a way. It’s completely disgusting.’
Emyr said he didn’t remember anyone at the BBC challenging him or Edwards on what he was doing in the newsroom.
‘There should be some sort of procedure or professional reason for someone to enter the building,’ he added.
Edwards did not respond to S4C’s request for a response.
In September he was given a six-month suspended jail sentence after admitting three counts of making indecent images of children.
Emyr’s allegations are not associated with the criminal case.
Huw Edwards is seen arriving at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on July 31 this year, before pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children
The anchor’s career involved breaking the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death both Prince William and Prince Harry’s weddings – he is pictured here with Justin Welby on May 6, 2023
In July last year Edwards faced allegations that had paid a teenager more than £35,000 for sexual images.
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘We have been clear that we are appalled by Huw Edwards’ crimes. He has betrayed not just the BBC, but audiences who put their trust in him.
‘A Board-commissioned independent review of the BBC’s workplace culture is currently underway, with a particular focus on preventing abuse of power and ensuring everyone at the BBC conducts themselves in line with our values.
‘The BBC has robust safeguarding policies and processes in place. If people contact us directly with concerns about our protocols we will look at these carefully, in line with the BBC’s Complaints Framework.’
Watch the full programme on Huw Edwards on ‘Y Byd ar Bedwar’ on S4C on Monday at 8pm. English subtitles available. The programme will be able to watch on BBCiPlayer and S4C Clic.