Dan Walker is leaving BBC Breakfast for Channel 5

Watch: Dan Walker leaving BBC Breakfast for Channel 5 News

Dan Walker has announced he is leaving the BBC for Channel 5.

The broadcaster, who previously presented Football Focus from 2009 to 2021, has hosted the morning show since 2016.

The popular BBC Breakfast presenter confirmed on social media that he will be fronting a revamped version of Channel 5's 5pm news program.

The move to Channel 5 will also see Walker host a number of other shows for the broadcaster including non-news programming.

Read more: Why Dan Walker dressed up as a lobster for Halloween

Walker said in a statement: "I can’t wait to get stuck into the daily news show, but I am also excited about making some great new TV for Channel 5."

He added: "I love their ideas and creativity and it’s rare to get an opportunity like this where paths and ambitions meet. The chance to do something different was too good to turn down."

Walker also confirmed that his time at the BBC will be up "in the next few weeks".

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He also outlined his reasons for the change: "Channel 5 came with big ambitions, big plans and I don’t think opportunities like this come around very often and I can’t wait."

He also celebrated his time with the BBC: "I’m really excited but this has also been a massive decision for me because I love Breakfast, I love working alongside Sally (Nugent) and I love the team there."

As well as Breakfast, Walker is also known for fronting a range of sports programming across the BBC.

He was previously the host of Football Focus and currently presents The NFL Show.

Walker took part in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing, revealing he signed up for the show to do something “fun” and have a “giggle” after reporting on difficult news stories during the pandemic.

Read more: Dan Walker looks back at moment that nearly ended Strictly

Cait FitzSimons, editor of 5 News, said: “I’m hugely excited about Dan’s decision to join 5 News.

“We pride ourselves on the deep connection we have with our viewers across the country, and this is a key strength of Dan’s, helping secure his place as one of Britain’s best and most popular broadcasters.

“I look forward to working with him to build on the success of our new hour-long programme and finding more ways to tell stories that touch viewers’ lives across the nation.”

Ben Frow, director of content for Channel 5’s parent company Paramount UK, said: “Dan Walker joining the channel shows that Channel 5 attracts leading talent.

“Dan is a renowned broadcaster and we’re looking forward to seeing him not just fronting 5 News but bringing his experience to programming across Channel 5 as we continue to develop and grow our output.”

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