Huw Edwards, the former BBC news presenter known for his role as the face of flagship broadcasts including major state occasions, is gradually re-emerging into public life more than a year after his professional downfall. Edwards, who pleaded guilty last July to possession of indecent images of children, has begun reactivating his presence on social media and attracting renewed support from some former colleagues and acquaintances.

In recent weeks, Edwards posted a new professional black-and-white photograph on Instagram, where he has reactivated an account with approximately 94,000 followers. Although he has not posted since early July 2023—just before revelations surfaced about his involvement in paying a young male for explicit images—he has also opened a new Facebook account. This platform appears to serve as a means of maintaining contact with supporters and friends.

Despite the seriousness of Edwards’s conviction, which included possession of category A images, the most severe classification involving minors as young as seven, several former BBC staff and public figures have offered messages of support. Among those commenting on Edwards’s Facebook profile are Mike Longley, a former BBC Wales presenter and head of music, who criticized the BBC’s handling of Edwards’s case and expressed admiration for his work. Other familiar names such as Ben Bawden, a previous BBC programme director, and Ben Ando, a former BBC crime correspondent, also appear among Edwards’s online connections.

Local politicians have similarly extended messages of encouragement. Councillor Terry Davies of Plaid Cymru, representing the Tyisha ward in Llanelli, posted a message of praise in Welsh, while Labour councillor Chris Bissex-Foster of Aberbargoed also offered well wishes. Some friends and followers lamented Edwards’s absence from public life, with a few urging a return.

Publicly visible posts on Edwards’s Facebook profile include a personal photograph with his mother, Aerona Prothero, prompting affectionate comments from their network. Edwards’s Instagram remains populated with followers from his broadcasting career and beyond, although he has not reinstated his former X (formerly Twitter) account, which once had more than 187,000 followers.

Edwards was last seen publicly in August 2023, during a visit to a supermarket in Swansea shortly before his 64th birthday. Reports indicate that his wife of more than 30 years, Vicky Flind, has filed for divorce. Flind was the first to publicly acknowledge her husband as the BBC figure involved in the legal case, citing the need to protect the family’s wellbeing.

Before his departure from the BBC, Edwards was among the highest-paid presenters, earning between £475,000 and £479,999 in his final year. Following his arrest and subsequent dismissal, BBC management demanded he repay £200,000 of the salary paid during the period he was suspended. As of this time, Edwards has reportedly not made any repayments.

The BBC has yet to comment on Edwards’s recent renewed activity and the ongoing support he appears to be receiving from certain quarters within the broadcasting and wider communities.