After six years co-hosting BBC Breakfast, Dan Walker is leaving the show on May 17 to the disappointment of viewers.
It comes after his previous co-presenter Louise Minchin quit the BBC series earlier this year, similarly shocking fans.
Fans weren’t expecting Dan to leave so soon, but he recently opened up about his decision on Twitter.
Many are wondering where he is off to next and who will be replacing him on the BBC early morning show.
Whoever does replace him, it has been reported that they could be earning less than half Dan’s salary – a sure sign of his popularity on the programme.
Where is Dan Walker going next?
Dan may be leaving the BBC but he isn’t leaving the industry.
He will continue to present news, but for Channel 5 from now on.
Dan took to Channel 5’s Twitter the same day to address his leaving the show.
He said: “Hello, Dan Walker here. 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.
“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.”
Why is Dan Walker leaving BBC breakfast?
On April 4, 2022, Dan made the announcement that he was leaving BBC Breakfast for good.
He first joined the show after the previous presenter, Bill Turnbull, left the programme.
Addressing his reason for leaving, Dan wrote on his personal Twitter account that it was a “simple” decision for him.
Dan explained: “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 chance to make some exciting TV.
“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.”
Who is Dan Walker’s replacement on BBC Breakfast?
Dan’s replacement has not been revealed by the BBC and it seems it is still searching for another host following a May 10 job advert post.
The BBC shared a three-day-a-week job ad under its F pay bracket.
This puts the role on a salary between £60,000 and £120,000 – less than half Dan’s reported £295,000 salary.
There are many different journalists who have been tipped to takeover the role, including Jon Kay and Ben Thompson, both of whom regularly appear on the breakfast show currently.
BBC Breakfast sport presenter Mike Bushell and BBC Breakfast business presenter Nina Warhurst have both also been seen as frontrunners for the position.
*BBC Breakfast airs Monday to Saturday from 6am on BBC One
