When is Dan Walker leaving BBC Breakfast? Exit and future explained

The news comes just months after his colleague Louise Minchin left the programme after 20 years on the sofa, with regular relief presenter Sally Nugent named her replacement.

Speaking about the move, Dan said in a statement: "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."

But who are some of the famous faces tipped to take over from Dan? Read on for everything you need to know about why Dan Walker is leaving BBC Breakfast and who his replacement could be.

Who could be Dan Walker's replacement on BBC Breakfast?

There has been much fan speculation over who will be joining Nugent on screen following Dan's departure.

Various people have been tipped to replace Walker as chief presenter on BBC Breakfast, but the BBC has not yet made an official announcement about who will be taking his place.

Jon Kay, a South West correspondent for BBC News who often steps in for Walker when he is on holiday, has become bookies’ favourite, with Alex Apati of Ladbrokes telling the Daily Star that Kay's odds are "pulling away from the chasing pack".

Other names tipped to take over by Ladbrokes include Mike Bushell, AJ Odudu and Gethin Jones.

The role is still being advertised externally on the BBC jobs website, with a closing date of May 24.

A BBC spokesperson told RadioTimes.com: “Recruitment is still ongoing”.

When is Dan Walker leaving BBC Breakfast?

Dan Walker will leave BBC Breakfast on Tuesday 17th May 2022.

Speaking on the show on Tuesday 3rd May 2022, Dan Walker revealed: "You know you keep asking me when I’m going? Well, I can tell you now... officially."

He went on to confirm the date, adding: "May 17 is my last day, so two weeks today."

Dan went on to thank viewers for their kind messages regarding his upcoming departure and praised BBC Breakfast.

He said: "It's reminded me how special this show is, and how much everybody who watches it loves it."

In a video shared on the Channel 5 News Twitter account on Monday 4th April 2022, Dan had given his fans an idea of when he’d be swapping mornings for afternoons, revealing that the change will be coming into effect in "the next few weeks".

In a piece to the camera, Walker said: “I have a little bit of news for you. In the next few weeks, I’m going to be leaving BBC Breakfast and moving to 5 News and to Channel 5."

Channel 5 News was delighted to have secured Walker, and shared its excitement about his new job.

Cait FitzSimons, editor of 5 News, said: “I’m hugely excited about Dan’s decision to join 5 News.

“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.”

Ben Frow, director of content for Channel 5’s parent company Paramount UK, said: “Dan is a renowned broadcaster and we’re looking forward to seeing him not just fronting 5 News but bringing his experience to programming across Channel 5 as we continue to develop and grow our output.”

Why is Dan Walker leaving BBC Breakfast?

Speaking about the “massive decision” to join Channel 5, Dan said he couldn’t turn down an opportunity that doesn’t “come around very often”.

He continued in the video shared on social media (above): “I’m really excited but this has also been a massive decision for me because I love BBC Breakfast, I love working alongside Sally and I love the team there.

“But Channel 5 came with big ambitions, with big plans and I don’t think opportunities like this come around very often and I can’t wait.

“I’ve also had the incredible privilege of working on some iconic programmes over the last few years, both at the BBC and elsewhere."

He went on to pay tribute to some of the "iconic programmes" he has been involved in over the last few years, and continued: “What I love about this deal is I not only get to present the news, but also host a whole range of new programmes right across the channel.

“And what an honour to step into the shoes of Sian Williams. I know how popular she is with both the team and also the audience, so all I can say is I will do my best to maintain her incredibly high standards.

“Thank you for watching and I’ll see you soon on a TV screen somewhere.”

Dan has since addressed his impending departure with his Breakfast co-host Sally Nugent, who took over from Louise Minchin on the programme last year, insisting he's not "motivated by money".

On Tuesday 5th April's show, Sally told Dan: "We've been friends for 20 years, we worked together for six months. And you're off!"

"Yes," he replied. "But as you know – as I explained to you before all the news came out – this has been a really difficult decision for me. Probably the hardest decision I've had to make in my career because I love you to bits and I really love working here and I love the team at BBC Breakfast."

He continued: "The six years I’ve had on this sofa has been the best six years of my career by some distance, but I think sometimes opportunities come along and you have to grab them, don’t you?"

"I've never ever been motivated by money in any job I’ve ever taken and even though I love BBC Breakfast and everyone who works on the show, this is a fantastic opportunity to work with a brilliant team on Channel 5 and also go and make some other programmes outside of news."

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