Dan Walker has stated that he hopes his former Channel 5 News co-host Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije “finds peace” following a “mutual agreement” reached over claims she made against him. The 49-year-old broadcaster, who now hosts the weekday breakfast show on Classic FM, insisted: “I firmly feel that I should never have been pulled into this.”
Allegations Withdrawn
Vanderpuije reached an agreement with ITN and Channel 5, and her lawyers confirmed she had withdrawn all allegations against Walker. The 47-year-old presenter, who began co-hosting Channel 5 News with Walker in 2022, had filed claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination, and harassment on grounds of race and sex, as well as breach of contract. Walker was listed as a respondent alongside Channel 5, ITN, ITN CEO Rachel Corp, and Paramount Global, which owns Channel 5.
Walker's Statement
In a statement posted on Instagram shortly after the claims were withdrawn, Walker said: “I was fully prepared to go to tribunal and defend the allegations which were levelled at me. Through all of this, I have always been concerned for the claimant’s wellbeing, and that has not changed. I hope she finds peace.” He also thanked his family, friends, legal team, and colleagues at 5 News and Classic FM for their support.
Tribunal Dismissal
An employment tribunal hearing on Friday afternoon, lasting around a minute, saw Judge Emma Webster dismiss all claims. Vanderpuije’s lawyers stated: “Claudia-Liza fully withdraws her allegations relating to Dan Walker and does not intend to repeat or pursue them.” An ITN spokesperson said: “We continue to deny these claims in full, and we are glad this matter has been resolved.” A Channel 5 spokesperson added: “We strongly reject the claims that were made and are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that all the allegations relating to Dan Walker have been withdrawn.”
Vanderpuije had also filed a claim of suffering a detriment or dismissal due to exercising rights under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, also known as whistleblowing. She left Channel 5 News in 2024.
