Huw Edwards has been named as the BBC presenter accused of paying a teenager for explicit photos. 

In a statement issued on his behalf, Mr Edwards’ wife, Vicky Flind, said: 

"In light of the recent reporting regarding the 'BBC Presenter' I am making this statement on behalf of my husband Huw Edwards, after what have been five extremely difficult days for our family.

"I am doing this primarily out of concern for his mental well-being and to protect our children.

"Huw is suffering from serious mental health issues. As is well documented, he has been treated for severe depression in recent years.

"The events of the last few days have greatly worsened matters, he has suffered another serious episode and is now receiving in-patient hospital care where he'll stay for the foreseeable future.

"Once well enough to do so, he intends to respond to the stories that have been published.

"To be clear Huw was first told that there were allegations being made against him last Thursday.

"In the circumstances and given Huw's condition I would like to ask that the privacy of my family and everyone else caught up in these upsetting events is respected.

"I know that Huw is deeply sorry that so many colleagues have been impacted by the recent media speculation. We hope this statement will bring that to an end."

The young person at the centre of the controversy said the allegations, first printed in The Sun newspaper, were “rubbish”. 

The Metropolitan Police said they have "now concluded their assessment and have determined there is no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed".

Mr Edwards remains suspended by the BBC.

Main image: Huw Edwards. Picture by: Alamy.com