BBC 'warned' Huw Edwards about his behaviour years before scandal broke

Huw Edwards resigned from the BBC last week (Image: Getty)

Huw Edwards, former News at Ten presenter, allegedly received a warning regarding his online behaviour two years before his involvement in a scandal led to his resignation from the BBC.

Edwards, 62, resigned from the BBC last week, citing medical reasons, amid claims he paid a young person £35,000 for explicit images nine months ago.

Now, The Sunday Times reports that the BBC was notified of a complaint about Edwards' online behaviour in 2021.

The report states that a woman in her forties contacted the BBC in 2021 after exchanging messages with Edwards on social media and then via email.

She had initially contacted Edwards through a direct message on Instagram but reportedly requested BBC intervention to cease contact.

The subsequent investigation, which The Sunday Times claims has remained confidential until now, was concluded just days before Edwards' resignation. The woman later withdrew her complaint after being contacted by the presenter.

Edwards was informed of the accusations "within hours" of their receipt by BBC management. Huw was confronted about his "social media use," with his legal representatives dismissing the accusations as "unsubstantiated".

Huw Edwards during the Tutankhamun Treasures Of The Golden Pharaoh Opening Gala at the Saatchi Gallery, London. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

It is thought that Huw and the woman resumed their conversation shortly thereafter. The woman reportedly lodged a second complaint in January 2022, but it is said to have been withdrawn once Huw reached out.

In February 2022, Huw met with a senior BBC manager, with the review allegedly stating: "A senior member of News leadership advised that further concerns had been raised and that contact with you should now cease."

The Express.co.uk has reached out to the BBC for a comment.