BBC’s Huw is set to stay on after Queen coverage

HUW Edwards is to sign a new deal with the BBC after praise for the way he led coverage of the Queen’s death, it is understood.

Edwards, 61, is one of the corporation’s most high-profile news presenters and is expected to agree to stay on for up to three more years.

He was seen at the offices of the BBC’s biggest radio rival – Global – in August. The News at Ten veteran admitted at the time he was ‘thinking about my future’.

Not long after this he led coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and her funeral. He was praised for the way he dealt with the incredibly sensitive story.

It is understood the new deal is likely to be broadly the same or slightly more than his current pay of about £410,000 a year.

A report on industry website Deadline said BBC insiders were feeling optimistic over the likelihood that Edwards will stay. He is now expected to be key in its coronation coverage in May.

■ BBC journalists have voted ‘overwhelmingly’ to sabotage Budget Day coverage with a strike over plans to merge some local radio shows.

The National Union of Journalists yesterday announced that, following a ballot of regional BBC staff, a 24-hour strike will take place on March 15. Strikes hitting the coronation and local elections are being considered.