BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker: Move to Channel 5 not motivated by money

Watch: Dan Walker discusses his decision to quit BBC Breakfast

Dan Walker has said his decision to quit BBC Breakfast for Channel 5 is not motivated by money.

The 45-year-old journalist and TV presenter - who competed in Strictly Come Dancing last year - has announced he will leave the BBC after 13 years to a host a revamped version of Channel 5's 5pm news programme in the next few weeks.

Walker told BBC Breakfast co-host Sally Nugent: "I think sometimes opportunities come along and you have to grab them.

Read more: BBC Breakfast's Dan Walker gets close to co-host again for first time since pandemic

"I've never ever been motivated by money in any job that I've ever taken, and even though I've loved working at BBC Breakfast and everybody who 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."

The father-of-three refused to be drawn on his plans for new shows as Nugent tried to tease details from her colleague.

He joked: "You're always suggesting shows I should do - are you trying to get rid of me?"

Nugent quipped: "Finally - it's worked, he's going!"

Walker has hosted BBC Breakfast since 2016 and was only recently joined on the sofa by Nugent after Louise Minchin departed the show last September after 20 years.

Nugent said: "We've been friend for 20 years, we've worked together for six months - and you're off!"

Walker told her: "This has been a really difficult decision, one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make in my career, because I love you to bits and I love working with you."

She replied: "I love you too Daniel."

Walker also thanked viewers and fans for their messages of support after his announcement that he was quitting the show.

He said: "I should also say thank you so much for so many lovely messages yesterday. I said to you, 'I don't think anybody will care.' But I've had so many lovely messages from BBC Breakfast viewers and loads of other people as well."

Walker competed in the 19th series of Strictly last year and finally left the BBC dance competition with professional partner Nadiya Bychkova in the quarter final after weeks of evading the dance-off thanks to votes from viewers.

Despite getting so far in the contest he chose not to take part in the live tour.

Read more: Steph McGovern 'I’m much better off since I quit BBC Breakfast'

During Storm Eunice in February he joked he was considering applying for a role at Big Jet TV.

Before he joined the BBC Breakfast team Walker presented presented Football Focus on BBC from 2009 to 2021.