We're backing Huw

Public and colleagues would have Edwards back on TV but BBC's handling criticised

- MARK JEFFERIES

MIRROR readers have come out in support of Huw Edwards as he battles mental health problems over the sexual pictures scandal.

In an exclusive poll, 53% said they want to see him back on the BBC News at Ten if he is cleared by bosses of serious wrongdoing, while only 32% felt he should not be allowed to continue.

Among 45 to 64-year-olds, more than 60% backed his return from suspension over the allegations.

A large number of Edwards' colleagues also want him to be reinstated as the bulletin's anchorman.

But while there was good news for him in the Daily Mirror's Survation poll, the BBC did not fare so well.

Of those quizzed, 51% said the broadcaster had handled the situation "quite badly" or "very badly". Only 7% said they had dealt with it "very well".

Edwards is facing no police action over claims that he paid £35,000 to a teenager for explicit images, and the person in question, now 20, has insisted the host has done nothing illegal.

HOSPITAL

On the day it was revealed Edwards, 61, was admitted to hospital, BBC's Newsnight reported claims from one current and one former worker, who said they had received "inappropriate messages from him, "some late at night and signed off with kisses".

Both alleged there was "a reluctance among junior staff to complain to managers about the conduct of their high-profile colleagues, in case it adversely affected their careers.