Dan Walker QUITS BBC Breakfast for Channel 5 news job

DAN Walker has quit BBC Breakfast for a job on Channel 5 news.

The Strictly star, 45, will be hosting the channel's revamped 5 News, as well as a number of other shows for the broadcaster.

Dan Walker will be hosting alongside Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije and has taken over from Sian Williams.

The star presented BBC Breakfast for six years after replacing Bill Turnbull in 2016.

In a video shared on Twitter, Dan said it was a "massive decision" to leave Breakfast, adding: "I don't think opportunities like this come round very often."

He had previously fronted Breakfast with Louise Minchin, who departed in September 2021.

She was replaced by Sally Nugent, whose appointment was announced the following month.

Dan said: "I have a little bit of news for you. In the next few weeks, I'm going to be leaving BBC Breakfast and moving to 5 News and to Channel 5.

"I'm really excited but this has also been a massive decision for me because I love BBC Breakfast, I love working alongside Sally and I love the team there.

"But Channel 5 came with big ambitions, with big plans and I don't think opportunities like this come around very often and I can't wait.

"I've also had the incredible privilege of working on some iconic programmes over the last few years, both at the BBC and elsewhere.

"And what I love about this deal is I not only get to present the news, but also host a whole range of new programmes right across the channel.

"And what an honour to step into the shoes of Sian Williams. I know how popular she is with both the team and also the audience, so all I can say is I will do my best to maintain her incredibly high standards.

"Thank you for watching and I'll see you soon on a TV screen somewhere."

Dan hit the headlines in 2018 after his salary revealed he earns almost double the amount of his female co-presenter.

However, Dan pointed to the fact that his earnings come from fronting multiple shows on the BBC.

He appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last series, dancing with Nadiya Bychkova.

At the time he said he signed up for the show to do something "fun" and have a "giggle" after reporting on difficult news stories during the pandemic.