Huw Edwards, one of the BBC's top anchors who received a suspension last year amid claims of paying for sexually explicit photos, resigned from the network on Monday. 

Edwards, 62, oversaw the BBC's coverage of important national events, including Queen Elizabeth II's death and funeral. He began as a trainee in 1984 and after his career was the regular anchor of 'BBC News at Ten.' 

Huw Edwards Leaves BBC on Medical Advice

According to the Strait Times, he was suspended by the BBC in July after The Sun tabloid newspaper revealed that an anonymous BBC anchor had paid a youngster $45,000 for sexually explicit photos beginning at the age of 17. Mr. Edwards' wife later publicly identified him as the anchor of the report.

In Britain, the age of consent is 16, however sharing or having indecent photos of anyone under the age of 18 is illegal. Last year, the police determined that there was "no information to indicate that a criminal offense has been committed" and decided not to pursue further action.

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Huw Edwards' Potential Replacement 

A lawyer for the person alleged to have supplied Edwards the photographs told the BBC that "nothing inappropriate or unlawful has occurred" and that the allegations were "rubbish."

According to the New York Times, Vicky Flind, Edwards' wife, stated at the time of the allegations that her husband was hospitalized due to "serious mental health issues."

The BBC attracted criticism for failing to act for seven weeks after receiving a complaint from the teenager's mother. In February, the BBC apologized to the teenager's parents for not acting swiftly enough. The disclosures sparked a media frenzy in Britain, even at the BBC itself.

Clive Myrie, Sophie Raworth, and Reeta Chakrabarti are all possible candidates to replace Huw Edwards as the BBC's News at Ten presenters, Daily Mail reported.     

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