Dan Walker has clapped back at rumours surrounding his exit from BBC Breakfast.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, who has hosted BBC Breakfast since 2016, announced last week he is leaving to join 5 News at Channel 5, replacing Sian Williams.
Now Walker, 45, has warned people not to trust reports citing “moles” or “sources” over his departure from BBC.
He shared a photo of a sunset to his Instagram followers with the words: “It is often the case that the simple truth is much duller than all the made-up ‘moles’ and so-called ‘sources’ claim.
“In a nutshell… A bloke with a really good job, which he loved, got offered a really good job somewhere else which provided an amazing new challenge and the opportunity to make some exciting telly.
“The bloke explained to his current employers that, even though it was a tough decision, he had decided to leave. They are now trying their best to allow him to make a dignified departure. Have a great Monday. I’m off for some toast.”
Walker had previously presented Football Focus from 2009 and 2021.
He has also fronted BBC Breakfast with Louise Minchin, who departed in September 2021.
In his new role for Channel 5, he will present recently relaunched flagship news bulletin 5 News.
The broadcaster said Walker would also front “a range of new programming on the channel”.
Walker has become the latest high-profile BBC star to leave the corporation this year following the departure of Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis and veteran political interviewer Andrew Marr.
Announcing the move earlier this month, Walker said leaving BBC Breakfast was a “massive decision”.
At the time, he added: “I don't think opportunities like this come around very often...
“I’ve never ever been motivated by money in any job that I’ve ever taken, and even though I love BBC Breakfast, everybody that works on the show, this is a fantastic opportunity to work with a brilliant team at Channel 5 and also go and make some other programmes outside of news.”
