Dan Walker says he hopes former co-host ‘finds peace’ as case agreement reached

Dan Walker said he hopes his former Channel 5 News co-host Claudia–Liza Vanderpuije “finds peace” after a “mutual agreement” was reached over claims she made against him, as he added: “I firmly feel that I should never have been pulled into this.”

Vanderpuije reached an agreement with ITN and Channel 5 and withdrew allegations made against Walker, a statement from her lawyers said.

The 47-year-old, who began hosting the Channel 5 News show with Walker in 2022, had filed claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination and harassment on grounds of race and sex, and breach of contract.

Walker, a former BBC Breakfast host and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, was listed as a respondent in the claims alongside Channel 5 and ITN – including ITN CEO Rachel Corp – and Paramount Global, which owns Channel 5.

In a statement posted on his Instagram minutes after the claims were withdrawn, Walker said: “I firmly feel that I should never have been pulled into this; however, I was fully prepared to go to tribunal and defend the allegations which were levelled at me.

“Through all of this, I have always been concerned for the claimant’s wellbeing, and that has not changed. I hope she finds peace.

“I want to thank my family and friends for all their love and support through this.

“I will be forever grateful to those who were kind enough to go on the record with their accounts of working alongside me.

“My thanks also to my legal team and the wonderful colleagues at 5 News and Classic FM who have supported me every step of the way.”

The 49-year-old, who now presents the weekday breakfast show on Classic FM, had been due to appear at an employment tribunal beginning on Monday, but on Friday it was confirmed an agreement had been reached.

In a minute-long hearing on Friday afternoon, employment judge Emma Webster dismissed all the claims.

A statement from Vanderpuije’s lawyers said: “Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije can confirm that a mutual agreement has been reached with ITN and Channel 5 in respect of the matters subject to tribunal proceedings.

“Claudia-Liza fully withdraws her allegations relating to Dan Walker and does not intend to repeat or pursue them.”

An ITN spokesperson: “We continue to deny these claims in full, and we are glad this matter has been resolved.”

A Channel 5 spokesperson said: “We strongly reject the claims that were made and are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that all the allegations relating to Dan Walker have been withdrawn.”

Vanderpuije had also filed a claim of suffering a detriment or dismissal due to exercising rights under the Public Interest Disclosure Act – also known as whistleblowing.

She left Channel 5 News in 2024.