ACTOR Martin Clunes is to take on the role of disgraced former BBC newsreader Huw Edwards in a new factual drama examining one of the most damaging scandals in British broadcasting history.

The two-part series, provisionally titled Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, will air on Channel 5 and will chart Edwards’ rise to prominence, his fall from grace, and the events that culminated in his conviction and suspended prison sentence.

Clunes, best known for his long-running role in Doc Martin, is depicted in character wearing a black suit and silver watch, seated in a newsroom studio with papers spread before him as journalists work in the background. The production aims to recreate the atmosphere of Britain’s flagship television news at the height of Edwards’ career.

Edwards began his broadcasting career in Wales before becoming one of the most recognisable and highest-paid presenters at the BBC, fronting News at Ten for decades. During that time, he delivered some of the most significant moments in recent British history, including coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

His career ended in disgrace following a series of revelations that emerged in July 2023, when a newspaper report alleged that a senior BBC presenter had paid a teenager for sexual images. Days later, Edwards’ wife publicly identified him as the individual at the centre of the allegations. He resigned from the BBC in April 2024.

In June 2024, after an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, Edwards was charged with three counts of making indecent images of children, linked to WhatsApp exchanges with a man named Alex Williams. He pleaded guilty the following month, admitting to possessing forty-one images, including seven of the most serious category.

Edwards received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for seven years.

Channel 5 said the drama will explore how the scandal unfolded and will feature interviews with journalists who first reported the story, as well as those involved in investigating the case. The series will be directed by Michael Samuels, known for acclaimed British dramas including The Windermere Children and Any Human Heart.

Ben Frow, Channel 5’s chief content officer, said the programme would examine “how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status,” adding that it would focus on “the human cost behind the headlines.”

The drama is expected to reignite debate about accountability, safeguarding and power within British broadcasting, and marks the first major scripted portrayal of the Edwards scandal since his conviction.

Olivier Award winner Hiran Abeysekera stars in National Theatre Live’s bold, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy.

OLIVIERO Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera, best known for his acclaimed performance in Life of Pi, takes on the title role in Hamlet as National Theatre Live brings its fearless and contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic to the Torch Theatre screen this January.

Directed by National Theatre Deputy Artistic Director Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Operation Mincemeat), the production has been awarded five stars by Broadway World and praised for breathing fresh life into a play written more than 400 years ago, yet still strikingly relevant today.

Trapped between duty and doubt, and surrounded by power and privilege, Prince Hamlet grapples with grief, revenge and the ultimate question that has echoed through centuries of theatre. Hastie’s sharp, stylish and darkly funny interpretation places the troubled young prince firmly in the modern world, without losing the depth and complexity that has made the play endure.

Reviewers have been quick to praise the production, with Broadway World describing it as “exactly the kind of Hamlet you would hope to see,” while Upcoming hailed Abeysekera’s performance as “charming, cheeky and cunning.”

With its intricate plot, richly drawn characters and a lead performance that balances wit with emotional intensity, NT Live: Hamlet is a must-see for Shakespeare fans and newcomers alike.

NT Live: Hamlet will be screened at the Torch Theatre on Thursday 29 January at 7:00pm.
Tickets are priced at £15, £13 concessions, £10 under 26, and £8.50 concessions under 26.

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.torchtheatre.co.uk or contact the Box Office on (01646) 695267.

YOU may be thinking a lack of sunshine means there’s less to enjoy in Pembrokeshire, but this is definitely not the case – winter is actually one of the best times to visit! This county in the southwest of Wales still offers quaint beaches, unbeatable views, and plenty of indoor activities. So, if you’re thinking of taking a trip in the colder months but aren’t sure what to see or do, then here are four of the top things to do in Pembrokeshire during winter. 

Surf 

Arguably the best thing about winter in Pembrokeshire is the beaches. Not only are they quiet and peaceful, but the large, powerful waves mean it’s perfect for surfing. Just be sure to approach with caution as weather conditions can quickly take a turn for the worse and there typically aren’t any lifeguards stationed at beaches in winter. 

Some of the best beaches for surfing include Negale and Whitesands (which are more suitable for beginners) and Manorbier, Tenby South, and Freshwater West Beach. 

Enjoy a scenic winter walk 

Pembrokeshire is home to some of the best walks in the UK, with a wide variety of landscapes and terrains. Whether you want to stroll along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, an impressive 186-mile national trail, or explore the countryside further inland, there is a walk that will suit anyone. Of course, a walk in Wales wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a local pub afterwards!

Head to bingo 

Wales and Bingo go hand in hand. While online bingo is fun and convenient, there’s nothing quite like going to an in-person bingo hall in Pembrokeshire. Plus, it’s a great way to escape the rain. And there are a number of bingo halls dotted around the county, so you won’t be short of options! 

Visit one of the many museums 

From the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, which features work by artists such as Augustus John and David Jones, to the Narberth Museum where you can learn more about the ancient market town, there are plenty of museums and galleries to explore no matter what you’re interested in. 

Head to Pembrokeshire this winter! 

Whether you want to ride the waves in Tenby or escape the cold and experience an authentic game of bingo, Pembrokeshire has a lot to offer during the winter months. So, don’t wait for summer, get planning your trip to Pembrokeshire now!