DAN WALKER TO LEAVE BBC BREAKFAST AND JOIN CHANNEL 5 NEWS

He replaces Sian Williams, who announced her departure last month after six years anchoring the flagship bulletin.

Dan Walker is to leave BBC Breakfast to join ITN as the new host of Channel 5 News. Dan will co-host alongside Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije. In addition to Channel 5 News, Dan will have an "expanded role as a regular presenter on a number of non-news original shows across the channel."

Dan Walker said: "I can’t wait to get stuck into the daily news show, but I am also excited about making some great new TV for Channel 5. I love their ideas and creativity and it’s rare to get an opportunity like this where paths and ambitions meet. The chance to do something different was too good to turn down."

Channel 5's Daniel Pearl: "Dan will be instrumental in the success of Channel 5’s News output as it continues to grow and evolve."

5 News editor Cait Fitzsimmons said: "We pride ourselves on the deep connection we have with our viewers across the country, and this is a key strength of Dan’s, helping secure his place as one of Britain’s best and most popular broadcasters. I look forward to working with him to build on the success of our new hour-long programme and finding more ways to tell stories that touch viewers’ lives across the nation."

5 News airs weeknights at 5pm on Channel 5.