Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker, 49, and his former co-host Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, 47, have settled their dispute out of court following allegations of racism, sexism, misogyny and bullying within the Channel 5 News workplace. The claims, which Walker denied, were due to be tested at an employment tribunal before both parties reached an agreement on Friday afternoon. The allegations were withdrawn as part of the settlement.
Settlement Statement
A statement on behalf of Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije read: "Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije can confirm that a mutual agreement has been reached with ITN and Channel 5 in respect of the matters subject to Tribunal proceedings. Claudia-Liza fully withdraws her allegations relating to Dan Walker and does not intend to repeat or pursue them."
Background of the Dispute
The employment dispute between Dan Walker and former Channel 5 News presenter Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije followed claims she brought against ITN and Channel 5, alleging she was the victim of a sham redundancy after making protected disclosures as a whistleblower. She raised concerns about a toxic newsroom culture including racism, sexism, misogyny and bullying, and claimed its editorial output reflected that environment, further alleging attempts to cover up the culture despite obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the broadcaster’s Ofcom licence. The allegations were contested and no findings were made, and the case has now been settled out of court.
Co-Hosting History
Walker and Vanderpuije previously co-hosted Channel 5 News together after Walker, 49, joined the channel in 2022, having left BBC Breakfast. Vanderpuije had been with Channel 5 since 2018, but left in 2023, with sources at the time suggesting her departure was a sudden one. In a previous statement, Walker denied all allegations. Referencing an internal investigation from 2024, he said: "That was fully investigated and I was entirely vindicated by an independent inquiry."
Internal Investigation and Support
The investigation concluded there was insufficient evidence to uphold the complaints, according to sources. Walker is understood to have fully cooperated with that inquiry. However, Vanderpuije’s legal team argued the internal process did not fully address her concerns, which were then being considered as part of the tribunal. At the time, Vanderpuije’s lawyer Jonathan Coad issued a statement on her behalf, which read: "Claudia-Liza claims that she was the victim of a sham redundancy because as a whistleblower she made protected disclosures alleging that a toxic culture of racism, sexism, misogyny and bullying existed in the Channel 5 Newsroom, and that its editorial content reflected its racist culture. In her claims, she alleges that ITN and Channel 5 have tried to cover up the racist culture at Channel 5 News, which they have tolerated despite this breaching their statutory obligations. Claudia-Liza is constrained for legal reasons from saying anything further about her claims until the trial."
More than 50 people are understood to have come forward in support of Walker, providing witness statements and testimonials, including his former BBC colleague Sue Barker. Claiming he is "one of the nicest presenters" she has worked with, she told The Sun: "I don’t feel I’m putting my head above the parapet speaking up for Dan. I know he’d do the same. I have sat next to him in production many times and he really is one of the nicest, most courteous and hard-working presenters I have broadcast with. When I read what was in the papers, I was happy to contact him and give 100 per cent support. I told him to stay strong and that I would help in any way I could."
