Ahead of his 60th birthday later this week, BBC News at Ten anchor Huw Edwards has candidly opened up about his future on the news programme. And while he’s been a familiar face on the show for the best part of two decades, the journalist has now revealed the late shows have become “taxing” on the star. And while he still “enjoys” the role, Huw hinted fans may not be seeing him for too much longer as the face of the news.
Huw’s admission came during a special interview on BBC’s Radio Cymru – a Welsh-speaking radio station based in Cardiff.
Speaking about his BBC News at Ten future, he said to broadcaster Dewi Llwyd: “I believe a time comes when you’re bound to re-assess what’s in front of you.
“Now a big milestone [his 60th birthday] is here, it’s natural to think, ‘Am I going to continue in this job for another five years, or do I want to do something different?’”
Delving into the impact the role has taken on Huw after all these years, he revealed to Dewi: “The nightly news business, after 20 years, that can be taxing.”
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“Even though I still enjoy the job,” he added. “But I don’t think I’ll be doing that for long.
“In the first place, I think it’s fair for the viewers to get a change.
“Secondly, I have co-workers who are very talented. It’s time to give them a chance too. And I think it’s an appropriate time to consider what’s ahead.”
While the revelation may leave fans fearing Huw will vanish from news reports going forward, he reassured them it won’t be a sudden exit.
Huw was critical of the network’s “clumsy” handling of its staff’s salary who earn over £150,000 a year.
Following cutbacks at the network, Huw took a pay cut last year from his £470,000 salary to £430,000.
“It has angered me, to be honest,” he admitted. “Not because I’m embarrassed about pay, especially because I took a huge cut years ago anyway.
“I don’t expect anyone to feel sorry for me. But if you do get a huge pay cut, it’s certainly going to affect you, your psychology, and your attitude towards the work.”