The BBC has officially removed Huw Edwards from an episode of Doctor Who following his conviction for possessing indecent images of children.
The 2006 episode, titled Fear Her, was initially taken off BBC iPlayer last year after the scandal surrounding the former BBC News at Ten presenter.
Now, the broadcaster has re-edited the episode, replacing Edwards’ voice with that of actress Becky Wright.
Edwards, who was once one of the most recognizable figures in British broadcasting, originally provided voiceover commentary for a fictional news report within the episode.
The storyline, set during the 2012 London Olympics, saw the Doctor, played by David Tennant,
and his companion Rose, portrayed by Billie Piper, investigating the mysterious disappearance of 80,000 spectators from the Olympic Stadium.
With the updated version of the episode now available on BBC iPlayer, Edwards’ voice has been entirely erased, and his lines have been re-recorded with some slight modifications.
BBC Replaces Edwards’ Voice in Doctor Who
In the original version of Fear Her, Edwards narrated the dramatic moment when the Olympic crowd suddenly vanished. His original lines were:
“My God, what’s going on here? The crowd has just vanished, right in front of my eyes. It’s impossible. Bob, can we go to you in the box? Bob? Not you too?”
In the revised version, Wright’s voice now delivers a slightly different take on the scene:
“My God, what’s going on here? The crowd has vanished, they’re gone, everyone has gone. Thousands of people have just gone, right in front of my eyes, it’s impossible. Bob? Bob, can we join you in the box? Not you too, Bob…”
Later in the episode, when the Doctor and Rose resolve the crisis and the missing spectators reappear, Wright’s updated narration describes the moment:
“Look at this, utterly incredible scenes at the Olympic Stadium. 80,000 athletes and spectators, they disappeared, they’ve come back. They’ve returned, they’ve reappeared. It’s quite incredible.”
BBC Issues Disclaimer on Edited Episode
The updated Doctor Who episode now comes with a disclaimer on BBC iPlayer, informing viewers that changes have been made. The message states:
“There are a number of reasons why a programme may have been edited, including legal, contractual, or technical issues.”
This marks one of the first instances where the BBC has actively altered an entertainment program to remove Edwards’ presence following his conviction.
Edwards’ Fall from Grace
The decision to edit Edwards out of Doctor Who comes after the disgraced presenter pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children. His conviction in September 2024 resulted in a six-month suspended prison sentence, and he was placed on the sex offenders’ register.
Edwards, who had been a respected figure in British journalism, was known for covering significant national events, including royal ceremonies and political milestones. However, following his arrest in November 2023 and his subsequent resignation from the BBC in April 2024, his reputation was left in ruins.
The fallout from his criminal charges led to swift actions from various institutions. Cardiff University, his former alma mater, revoked his honorary titles, and public tributes to him, such as plaques and murals, were removed. Additionally, the BBC demanded that Edwards return his salary for the period between his arrest and his resignation.
BBC’s Efforts to Remove Edwards from Archive Footage
Following the scandal, the BBC initiated a widespread review of its archives to assess Edwards’ presence in past programs. Reports suggest that the broadcaster has been working to remove him from key state broadcasts, including his commentary on the funerals of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II.
At the time, a BBC spokesperson explained the corporation’s approach to handling Edwards’ past appearances, stating:
“As you would expect, we are actively considering the availability of our archive. While we don’t routinely delete content from the BBC archive as it is a matter of historical record, we do consider the continued use and re-use of material on a case-by-case basis.”
A Controversial Move?
The BBC’s decision to edit Fear Her has sparked discussions among fans and media critics. While some argue that it is appropriate to remove Edwards from entertainment programming given the severity of his crimes, others believe that modifying archival material sets a questionable precedent.
Despite the debate, the BBC appears committed to distancing itself from the disgraced former presenter. With his voice now erased from Doctor Who, this move signals a broader effort to limit his legacy within the corporation’s history.
As the updated episode returns to BBC iPlayer, it serves as yet another reminder of the impact of Edwards’ downfall—one that continues to reshape his once-distinguished career.
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