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Martin Clunes has responded to the backlash his docudrama film, Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards received following its release. The 90-minute programme explores the events that led to the disgraced presenter's conviction for making indecent images of children. Edwards was found guilty in 2024 and received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

The drama aired on Channel 5 in March and focused on Edwards' alleged contact with a 17-year-old boy, given the fictional name Ryan and portrayed by Welsh actor Osian Morgan. However, complaints were quickly made as many felt it was "too soon" for the story to be told on screen. While appearing on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, Martin was asked by the presenter whether he was surprised or shocked by the reaction it received.

"It provoked a lot of 'Should this have been made?" the presenter pointed out.

Martin responded: "Yeah. I don't know."

He added: "I guess it's still quite fresh so I haven't seen all of it."

When asked if he was glad he took part in the project, the actor replied: "Yeah. Also it's the job I do that pays for everything. I have to work. I'm self-employed."

Alan agreed: "You're a father, you've got to work."

The creators behind the film also addressed the backlash, with executive producer Sam Anstiss explaining that they went ahead with it after extensive discussions with the young man, now 23, who was groomed by the BBC presenter.

She said: "The timing was right. The victim was ready to tell his story. There are really urgent themes in this drama around online safety and the leniency of the sentencing."

In a statement obtained by the Daily Mail, Edwards criticised Channel 5 for not checking its claims with him before production, arguing that it would unlikely accurately reflect what really happened.

He said: "(They) made no attempt to check with me the truth of any aspect of their narrative before going ahead with the production. They belatedly asked for a response after the drama had been made, while reserving the right to edit any such response. They also refused to disclose whether any of those making allegations had been paid for their contributions. Channel 5's 'factual drama' is hardly likely to convey the reality of what happened."

The former News at 10 anchor added: "My deep regret and remorse for the crimes I committed were expressed in court. In pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity, I took full responsibility for my reprehensible actions."