Former BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker is set to host the Channel 5 documentary Titanic Sub: Lost at Sea on Channel 5 tonight (Thursday, June 22) at 7 pm.
The documentary will be all about the missing tourist submersible, Titan, carrying five crew members consisting of British billionaire Hamish Harding, Pakistani billionaire Shahzada Dawood and his son, French diver Paul-Henri Nargolet, and the CEO of the company Stockton Rush, who was piloting the vessel.
The craft was estimated to have a 96-hour oxygen supply when it left the ship on the morning of Sunday, June 18, which ran out at 12:08 pm today. The US Coastguard has said that it “remains hopeful” as it searches the area where sonar devices detected banging noises every thirty minutes on Tuesday, June 20.
Ahead of the highly anticipated documentary, here is a look at Dan Walker, including why he left the BBC.
Who is Dan Walker?
Dan Walker is an English journalist, newsreader, and television presenter who currently presents 5 news on Channel 5.
The Sussex native studied History for his undergraduate studies before mastering in Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
He started his broadcast career in radio, eventually presenting BBC Radio 5 Live’s Afternoon Edition.
In 2003, he made his television debut, joining Granada Television in Manchester as a commentator on the Football League Review sow.
His on-screen career saw him present BBC’s Football Focus, replace Bill Turnbull as the presenter of BBC Breakfast, compete in Strictly Come Dancing and more.
When nad why did Dan Walker leave the BBC?
Dan Walker’s last day on BBC Breakfast was May 17, 2022.
At the time, the esteemed journalist hit back at rumours surrounding why he is leaving the BBC and said: “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.”
He then joined Channel 5. Revealing the news on social media, Walker said: “Hello, it’s Dan 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 Channel 5.
“I’m really excited, but this has also been a massive decision for me because I love BBC Breakfast, I love working alongside Sally [Nugent] and I love the team there. But Channel 5 came with big ambitions, with big plans and I don’t think opportunities like this come round very often. I can’t wait.”
How much was Dan Walker’s BBC salary and what is his net worth?
Dan Walker reportedly earned a salary of £295,000 at the BBC and his net worth is estimated to be between £800,000 and £4 million.
His personal life
Dan Walker has been married to his wife, Sarah Walker, for over two decades. They have three children together; two daughters and a son.
As a practising Christian, Walker has always made it clear that he would not work on Sundays.
What will Titanic Sub: Lost at Sea be about?
The documentary will feature expert interviews that reveal the science behind the Oceansgate vessel that went missing earlier this week.
It will also feature exchanges with people who are “close to those onboard”, giving viewers the chance to get to know the crew members on Titan better.
Talking about it, the Managing Director of Content for ITN, Ian Rumsey, shared: “This programme will chart everything from the exploration itself, to the rise of extreme tourism, to the rescue attempts, but above all it will tell a very human story that has captured the nation which is about five people, all with families, who are trapped at the bottom of the ocean.
“Our expertise and heritage in fast-turnaround documentaries and reputation for responsible filmmaking means we always treat such stories with great sensitivity.”
The live special will air at 7 pm tonight (Thursday, June 22), just hours after the submersible was due to run out of oxygen.
