Dan Walker says he’s trying to forgive co-host who accused him of bullying and sexism
Dan Walker says he’s trying to forgive co-host who accused him of bullying and sexism
Jacob StolworthyWed, June 24, 2026 at 8:46 AM UTC
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Dan Walker has said that it will take him some time to forgive his former co-host, who levied now-withdrawn accusations of bullying and sexism against him.
After "three terrible years", the ex-BBC Breakfast broadcaster, 49, reached a "mutual agreement" with former Channel 5 News colleague Claudia–Liza Vanderpuije, who had filed claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination and harassment on grounds of race and sex, and breach of contract, back in April.
Walker, a Classic FM DJ and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, was listed as a respondent in the proceedings alongside Channel 5, ITN – including its CEO Rachel Corp – and Paramount Global, which owns the channel.
Dan Walker and Channel 5 co-host Claudia–Liza Vanderpuije reached a 'mutual agreement' in April 2026 (Channel 5)
But Vanderpuije, 47, fully withdrew her allegations relating to Walker, adding that she "does not intend to repeat or pursue them".
A statement from Vanderpuije's lawyers added: "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."
Now, Walker has reflected on the situation, stating: "I'm glad it's over and I'm not sure what I can or can't say, but if you're going to accuse somebody of that sort of thing, it's very important there's an element of truth to it."
He told the Daily Mail he "still can't believe it got to the point that it did get to", adding: "I'm trying to move on with my life."
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Walker, who was prepared to attend an employment tribunal to fight his case, revealed that he was supplied with character references from former colleagues and Olympians he's met over the years, many of which he hadn't asked for.
"I had well over 100 people who wrote them anyway over a few days and sent them to me," he said. "I didn't even send them all in. I sent about 40; there were hundreds I could have sent in, which will mean a lot to me until the day I die.
"It was incredibly stressful, but my overwhelming emotion is grateful that it's over."
He said he takes his faith "very seriously", adding: "I think I believe fundamentally in forgiveness and I'm working towards it. I don't sleep anyway, but it will take me some time to get to forgiveness."
Dan Walker said he's 'working towards' forgiving former Channel 5 News co-host (Getty Images)
The Independent has contacted Vanderpuije's lawyer for comment.
After Vanderpuije withdrew her allegations, Walker shared a statement reading: "I firmly feel that I should never have been pulled into this; however, 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 well-being, and that has not changed. I hope she finds peace."
Vanderpuije worked with Channel 5 from 2018 until 2024, when she filed a case against the broadcaster. A Channel 5 spokesperson said after the mutual agreement was made: "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."
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
