The famous presenter Hugh Edwards resigned from the BBC after being involved in a sex scandal

For more than 20 years he presented the evening news at 9.

THE famous British presenter Hugh Edwardswho has been ‘off air’ since last year, following allegations that he had paid a young man thousands of pounds to buy erotic pictures, resigned from the BBCon the advice of his doctor.

Edwards, 62, was one of the BBC’s highest-paid news presenters (£435,000 – around €500,000 for the year 2022-23) and one of the best-known in Britain.

For more than 20 years he presented the evening news at 9. He was the one who announced to the nation the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022, while also covering some of the most important events of recent years, including elections, royal weddings and the opening ceremony of London 2012 Olympics. He was also the presenter of the coronation of King Charles in May 2023.

“After 40 years of service, Hugh explained that his decision was taken on medical advice from his doctors,” the BBC said in a statement. “The BBC has accepted the resignation, which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We do not consider it necessary to comment further,” he added.

Edwards was suspended last July after he was accused of paying a teenager to give him nude photos. He was then hospitalized, suffering from depression. The case had made headlines in British newspapers and the BBC was heavily criticized for its handling of the scandal.