Myleene Klass, the celebrated television personality and former Hear'Say singer, took centre stage as host of Classic FM Live at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall on Monday evening. The 48-year-old star captivated onlookers in a glamorous pale blue gown, featuring a fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline and an elegant flowing skirt. Her ensemble was further adorned with delicate pearl embellishments and a daring thigh-high split, as she posed confidently outside the historic venue.
A Night of Musical Excellence
Klass co-hosted the prestigious event alongside fellow Classic FM presenter Dan Walker, with the evening's highlights including performances of Rossini's William Tell overture, Bizet's Carmen, and John Williams' music from E.T. by the acclaimed City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The former singer added extra sparkle to her look with striking chandelier earrings and towering platform shoes, embodying the glamour of the occasion.
Shadow Over the Celebrations
However, the festivities were cast against the backdrop of serious allegations involving co-host Dan Walker. Earlier that same day, former Channel 5 news presenter Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije arrived at the London Tribunal Centre for the first day of a five-week employment hearing. Vanderpuije, 47, was pictured wearing a cream blazer and black leggings as she entered the tribunal, where she has accused Walker of bullying, sexism, and misogyny.
Walker, 49, is named as a respondent to these claims, alongside ITN, which produces Channel 5 News, and Channel 5 owner Paramount. The former BBC Breakfast host has vehemently denied all allegations. Vanderpuije departed Channel 5 in 2024 after over five years presenting their news programme, having worked alongside Walker for the final 12 months following his high-profile move to the channel in 2023.
Legal Claims and Counterclaims
In a statement issued last week by her lawyer Jonathan Coad, who previously represented disgraced ITV presenter Phillip Schofield, Vanderpuije claimed she was "the victim of a sham redundancy" after making protected disclosures about a "toxic culture of racism, sexism, misogyny and bullying" in the Channel 5 Newsroom. The statement further alleged that ITN and Channel 5 have attempted to cover up this racist culture, which they have tolerated despite breaching statutory obligations.
Walker, a married father of three and devout Christian, has gathered more than 50 character witness statements from prominent figures including footballers, Olympians, BBC journalists, and colleagues in his defence. A source close to Walker told The Mail on Sunday: "Dan absolutely denies any sexism, misogyny, racism or bullying. It has been hanging over him for some years now. He will be there to tell the judge the truth."
Previous Investigations and Workplace Tensions
In April 2024, Walker was reportedly "completely exonerated" following a workplace probe into "serious misconduct," with sources indicating a lack of evidence to support the claims and noting his full cooperation. However, tensions have persisted, with reports suggesting Vanderpuije circulated email exchanges to colleagues after being banned from the newsroom by ITN's chief executive Rachel Corp following her complaint in 2024.
The Times reported that this move ultimately led to Vanderpuije losing support from colleagues, who have largely remained loyal to Walker. As the tribunal continues, both parties are constrained from further public comment for legal reasons, leaving the outcome to be determined through the judicial process.
