Channel 5 viewers were left astounded as Martin Clunes was near-unrecognisable in his brand new role in Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards. The actor best known for his beloved portrayal in Doc Martin transformed into the staunch BBC journalist who fell from grace after pleading guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. This came in 2024 after the former newsreader appeared before Westminster Magistrates' Court for sentencing after it was found that he received 41 illegal images from a paedophile.

Clunes took on the role in the new two-part factual drama, which recounts Huw's double life and the unfolding of the scandal as his decades-long career abruptly ended. Viewers were shocked by the role inundating social media with their reactions. Taking to X/Twitter, one wrote: "If you'd asked me who I thought would've been a good actor to play Huw Edwards, I'd never have said Martin Clunes... but, crikey..." As a second echoed: "Martin Clunes as Huw Edwards. The look, mannerisms and even the voice."

Another posted: "Martin Clunes showing the versatility of his exceptional acting capabilities in #Power on @channel5_tv tonight in his portrayal of the disgraced, odious pervert that is #HuwEdwards. Absolute power corrupts absolutely!"

"Already creeped out when he calls him baby, Martin Clunes' acting is astounding," praised a fourth.

As one remarked: "Clunes is really pulling this off." Meanwhile, a pleasantly surprised fan added: "Flipping heck, Clunes has nailed it, wow."

"I intended to go to bed early ..... then I saw that this fascinating docu drama is on C5. Martin Clunes is formidable in his portrayal of Huw Edwards," shared another.

Just hours before Channel 5 series aired, the disgraced journalist released a statement criticising the broadcaster for allegedly not fact-checking with him first.

According to the MailOnline, Huw lambasted the production company Wonderhood, stating: "[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."

Last week, Channel 5 defended the drama, saying it raised the "urgent" issue of grooming and online safety and gave a voice to his alleged victim, who said he worked with the programme to tell his side of the story so that "no one who has been silenced feels they are alone".