- Huw Edwards, 62, was suspended by the BBC earlier this year
While Clive Myrie is widely considered to be the front-runner if the BBC decide to replace Huw Edwards as the main presenter, he might be facing competition.
Reeta Chakrabarti, Sophie Raworth and Jane Hill could also be in the running for the promotion, according to analysis of who has filled in the most for the suspended anchor.
Mr Edwards, 62, was suspended by the corporation earlier this year after it was claimed that he had paid thousands of pounds to a young man who sent him sexual images.
Detectives assessed the allegations and two police forces decided to take no further action, but the BBC resumed its internal investigation in July.
However, BBC bosses are cautious about not officially beginning a replacement process, according to The Times.
Data complied by the newspaper shows that Reeta Chakrabarti has stepped in for Mr Edwards the most since his suspension, closely followed by Clive Myrie.
The Times analysed more than 200 programmes of News at Six and News at Ten to find out who could be in the running to replace Mr Edwards.
Between July 26 and December 5, data shows Chakrabarti has presented slightly more of the bulletins than Myrie, fronting 72 compared to his 69.
Next up is Sophie Raworth, 55, with a total of 64. Others on the list include Jane Hill, Fiona Bruce and Ben Brown.
Chakrabarti – who is 59, the same age as Myrie – has appeared more on both the 6pm and 10pm bulletins.
Both are well-known and are considered to have the experience to potentially replace Mr Edwards.
Myrie – who began his career as a trainee local radio reporter in 1987 and worked his way up to be one of he BBC’s chief news presenters – was paid up to £289,000 last year.
Chakrabarti – who earned up to £219,000 – started as a producer for BBC Radio 4 and now regularly presents BBC News and occasionally BBC World News.
Meanwhile, Mr Edwards was paid up to £439,000 last year for the lead presenter role.
One presenter told The Times: ‘Discussions about who might eventually replace Huw have been going on for years.
‘It always was sort-of Clive’s, but Reeta is also hugely respected. So maybe they might look to share things out.’
When the Met Police was asked earlier this month if detectives were still assessing any allegations relating to Mr Edwards, the force declined to answer.
Back in July the Metropolitan Police issued a statement saying: ‘Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command have now concluded their assessment and have determined there is no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed.
‘In reaching this decision, they have spoken to a number of parties including the BBC and the alleged complainant and the alleged complainant’s family, both via another police force.
‘There is no further police action. As such, the Met has advised the BBC it can continue with its internal investigation.’
The mother and stepfather of the alleged victim, who they said was 17 when contact with the presenter was first made, and is now 20, went to police in South Wales this April to report Mr Edwards, but were told there was no crime.
In May this year, the mother of the alleged victim made a complaint about Edwards’ behaviour, with details referred to the Corporate Investigations Team.
Two months later, The Sun informed the BBC’s press office about allegations made against Edwards, prompting the broadcaster to launch an ‘incident management group’ of top execs and approach Edwards, before going to the police on July 7.
By July 9, Edwards was suspended from his role.
Only a day later, the alleged victim rubbished the allegations through a lawyer.
Mr Edwards was previously identified by his wife as the BBC presenter at the centre of allegations, after media outlets initially took the decision not to name him due to privacy concerns.
Vicky Flind issued a statement on her husband’s behalf after days of speculation, saying he was being treated in hospital for ‘serious mental health issues’. Mr Edwards has denied the allegations against him.
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
