Jealous Huw Edwards was ‘poison’ in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues

Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues

As a longtime admirer of the world of entertainment, I find myself deeply moved by the stories that unfold within it. The lives of these artists, their triumphs and tribulations, are a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and creativity.


A surprising development has unfolded within the BBC newsroom, following the admission by ex-anchor Huw Edwards of child pornography allegations during a court hearing last week.

Now that his career has come to an end, some of his old coworkers are shedding light on his tricky nature during his 40-year tenure at the corporation – a behavior they noticed well before the public scandal emerged.

Previously, Sir Craig Oliver, who led BBC News at Six and Ten while Edwards was in office, shared on The World At One that there were several individuals who harbored concerns about his conduct. Specifically, they questioned whether he was excessively assertive and treating the team appropriately.

As a longtime follower and admirer of Oliver, I was taken aback by the revelation from a reliable source this week. The news that his actions were worse than he let on left me feeling disillusioned and saddened. Hearing about Huw’s behavior towards his fellow presenters, spreading poison and harboring jealousy, made me question everything I thought I knew about him. It’s hard to imagine someone so talented and seemingly respected being so divisive behind closed doors. As a professional in the industry myself, I can attest to how important it is to maintain respect and unity within our circles. Huw’s actions have left a sour taste in my mouth, and I can’t help but feel let down by someone I once looked up to. It serves as a reminder that we never truly know what goes on behind the scenes, and to always strive for integrity and professionalism in all aspects of our lives.

Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues

Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues
Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues

Huw, aged 62 and well-compensated, privately grumbled significantly after being required to reduce his salary in 2018 due to a dispute concerning wage disparity based on gender.

A point of contention for him was his perception that Fiona Bruce was significantly overpaid compared to him, a belief he held despite the BBC’s latest Annual Report showing his salary ranging from £475,000 to £479,999, while hers was between £405,000 and £409,999.

Bruce’s income from programs such as Question Time, Antiques Roadshow, and Fake or Fortune wasn’t included in the calculation – since these earnings come from BBC Studios, the corporation’s commercial division.

Edwards figured that in total, Bruce made a cool million dollars – double what he did – and he’d often highlight that he was also responsible for handling state events and elections to earn that amount of money.

A previous coworker reminisced that Huw often expressed frustration over his salary versus Fiona’s, and he also believed the BBC intruded on his privacy by revealing such details about him (previously), as he had pointed out.

Besides Bruce, it wasn’t only Huw who sparked Edwards’ disfavor. According to an old coworker, Huw was indeed a prominent figure, but his jealousy towards those rising in the ranks was significant. He often spread rumors and spoke ill of others. Thus, the title ‘father of the newsroom’ did not truly fit him. Despite being quite humorous at times, his words were far from always kind.

During BBC Breakfast, Huw referred to co-presenter Naga Munchetty as someone who can be quite challenging, and he mentioned that some of her coworkers dislike her assertive demeanor.

Dan Walker, who now works at Channel 5, was often referred to as “The Bishop” by his co-anchors. This nickname was a playful jab acknowledging his strong Christian faith that led him to decline weekend presenting duties.

Starting from May 2021, the BBC initiated the release of financial disclosures for its news anchors. Edwards strongly objected to this action, labeling it as a significant breach of his personal privacy, and a complete sham.

Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues

He also felt bitter about the many high-paying corporate speaking engagements that others secured, and he commented, “Fiona Bruce seems to escape punishment.” (It’s worth noting that there were no listings for Fiona Bruce’s external earnings during the first three months of this year.)

A spokesman for Bruce did not respond to requests for comment.

Edwards expressed on a 2022 podcast his agreement with the BBC needing to tackle pay and gender disparities. He didn’t object to the concept behind the decision, but he did express, albeit in unprintable terms, his thoughts on how the BBC found itself in this predicament – a situation that wasn’t the fault of any presenter.

Last week, Edwards appeared in court at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and confessed to various charges involving the creation of:

 

Top Dogg at the Olympics

1. Unlike typical sportscasters who are stereotypically jock-like, Snoop Dogg stands out in a unique way, and his criticisms during the Olympics have proven to be particularly valuable.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the impact of the multi-talented artist serving as NBC’s special correspondent for the Olympics. His charisma has significantly increased US viewership by doubling the numbers, and let me tell you, he’s killing it in delivering captivating, entertaining moments that resonate deeply with audiences, particularly the younger generation.

1. Highlights included seeing him in complete riding attire at the dressage event, where Martha Stewart cheered him on (since he’s afraid of horses); and his exclusive Louvre tour, where he claimed to be the long-lost twin of the Mona Lisa, known as Tony Lisa.

Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues
 

BAFTA nominees like Emma will have to say if they’re an ‘actor’ or an ‘actress’ 

As an ardent supporter, I find myself expressing my concerns about the recent decision made by BAFTA. After two years of deliberation on the intricate issue of categorizing acting awards based on gender, they have chosen a path that requires performers who identify as nonbinary to pick a side and either compete as ‘actors’ or ‘actresses’.

As a lifestyle expert, I find it intriguing to delve into the nuances of representation in today’s entertainment industry. For performers like Emma Corrin, Emma D’Arcy, and Bella Ramsey – who beautifully embody non-binary characters – finding themselves labeled or categorized can sometimes present complex situations. They gracefully navigate this space, breaking barriers and paving the way for more inclusive storytelling.

The recently updated rules state that movie producers need to ‘verify the gender or self-identified gender of each individual being considered for nomination’.

A source adds: ‘It is up to the entrant which category they enter into.’ 

In response to the 2022 decision by the Brit Awards to make their music categories gender-neutral, BAFTA has been actively discussing the possibility of changing their acting award categories from being gender-specific. They are consulting with various professionals in the field, such as peers, industry leaders, and experts, to gather opinions on this matter.

Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues
Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues
Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues

In the end, they decided not to alter anything, which essentially excluded a rising group of non-binary artists from being recognized. (BAFTA representatives stated that although the categories of actor and actress continue, the award and trophy could use the term ‘performer’ if the recipient prefers it.)

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I find it fascinating how society continues to evolve. For instance, the UK has eliminated gendered categories in their award ceremonies, such as the ‘Best Male Solo Artist’. This shift, which seems to be inspired largely by the non-binary artist Sam Smith, is a testament to the growing acceptance and recognition of all identities within our communities.

In 2022, when Adele received the recognition as the Best British Artist, she expressed her thoughts during her acceptance speech: “I appreciate why they’ve altered the title of this award, but I truly cherish my identity as a woman and a female musician.”

Last year there was outrage after the Best British Artist shortlist was all-male.

In 2022, discussions about gender-neutral awards took place for both the Oscars and the Tonys, yet they continue to maintain separate categories such as “Best Actress” and “Best Actor.”

 

BBC presenter’s wife leaves couple’s company after firm avoids bankruptcy 

Charlie Stayt’s wife, Anne Stayt, recently stepped down from Stayt Limited on the 18th of July, a decision made not long after the company narrowly avoided bankruptcy.

Three days ago, at the High Court in London, Judge Sebastian Prentis granted the withdrawal of a bankruptcy petition from HMRC, following the revelation that they had already paid back £159,000 and negotiated a plan to pay back the remaining £32,000 due to the tax authorities.

Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues
 
Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues

Dame Maggie Smith wanted Violet Crawley to to ‘killed off’, producer reveals

A New Era.”

He remarked that it was surprisingly simple, as there were moments when she found it quite exhausting, he added.

Each year, as the next series approached, she’d often comment, “Why don’t you just write me out?” So, when we finally did, it seemed like a bit of her may have felt a sense of relief.

As a devoted admirer, I am thrilled to share that Neame is working on the third Downton Abbey movie. However, despite ITV’s strong desire for additional television series, Neame found it unsustainable to continue producing more.

1. “It would take about three to six months for the production process. I realized it couldn’t last forever. The actors were eager to explore other opportunities.”

 

Family heartache as Fiddler opens 

The new production of Fiddler On The Roof at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park is attracting rave reviews. But there is heartache for the family of Topol, the late actor who will forever be associated with the role of Tevye the milkman.

Topol’s wife Galia died at the weekend, just days before the official opening night of the show.

Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues

Enhancing the emotional impact, Darya Topol Margalith, their granddaughter, will be stepping onto the professional stage for the first time in this musical, taking on the role of Tevye’s fourth daughter, Schprintze.

As a devoted admirer, I have always known that the art of “Fiddler” is deeply rooted in the Topol lineage. Back in 1994, when the show was revived at the Palladium, my mother graced the stage as Chava, performing alongside my father – a truly unforgettable family affair on stage.

In 1956, Galia and Chaim Topol tied the knot, but it wasn’t until the 1971 adaptation of the musical by Norman Jewison that he gained stardom in the film industry.

 

The sound of money . . . a lot of money

F. Scott Fitzgerald was quite right when he observed: ‘The rich are different from you and me.’

Last weekend, Tracy Anderson, who is known for being Madonna’s fitness coach and has now ventured into entrepreneurship, held a gathering at her residence in Sag Harbor to mark the debut of her latest perfume, HeartStone.

At a residence in the Hamptons, Long Island, attendees such as Deborra-Lee Furness (Hugh Jackman’s former spouse) and socialite Olivia Palermo experienced the unique services of a ‘sound therapist’. This individual provided assistance throughout the event, aiming to help guests achieve a more elevated vibrational state.

Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues
 
Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues

Saleka Shyamalan says making film with her father was ‘biggest gift’ 

According to Saleka Shyamalan, it was an extraordinary experience and a precious opportunity to collaborate with her father, M. Night Shyamalan, in the making of his latest movie titled “Trap.”

Aged 27, musician Saleka is portraying pop sensation Lady Raven in a movie that premieres today, and she penned fourteen tracks specifically for this production.

At the London debut, she expressed, “It’s truly fortunate to collaborate with individuals whom I cherish deeply. To have him place faith in my abilities for this project and desire to create it alongside me – it’s simply the most generous present I’ve ever received.”

 

From McLaren to Ralph Lauren: F1 driver Lando Norris lands fragrance deal

British Formula 1 racer Lando Norris will be featured alongside renowned athletes like Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-Min, and American tennis sensation Ben Shelton in the role of brand ambassadors for Ralph Lauren’s perfume line.

The deal is in the offing but has yet to be announced. 

24-year-old Norris, hailing from Bristol as his birthplace, broke records by becoming the youngest British Formula 1 racer at the age of 19. He currently competes for the renowned McLaren team.

Jealous Huw Edwards was 'poison' in BBC news room, claim ex-colleagues

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2024-08-09 03:06

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