Former Channel 5 News co-host Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije has reached a mutual agreement with ITN and Channel 5, fully withdrawing her allegations against Dan Walker, her lawyers announced on Friday.
Ms. Vanderpuije, 47, had filed claims of unfair dismissal, discrimination, and harassment on grounds of race and sex, as well as breach of contract, against ITN, Channel 5, and Walker. She also alleged whistleblowing detriment under the Public Interest Disclosure Act. The claims were set to be heard at an employment tribunal starting Monday, but a minute-long hearing on Friday saw Judge Emma Webster dismiss all claims.
In a statement, Ms. Vanderpuije's lawyers said: "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."
Dan Walker's Response
Dan Walker, 49, who co-hosted Channel 5 News with Ms. Vanderpuije from 2022 until her departure in 2024, released a statement on Instagram expressing hope that his former co-host "finds peace." He wrote: "Channel 5 and ITN have reached an agreement with the claimant. 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 wellbeing, and that has not changed. I hope she finds peace."
Walker, a former BBC Breakfast host and Strictly Come Dancing contestant who now presents the weekday breakfast show on Classic FM, thanked his family, friends, legal team, and colleagues for their support.
ITN's Statement
An ITN spokesperson said: "We continue to deny these claims in full, and we are glad this matter has been resolved."
The agreement marks the end of a legal dispute that had drawn significant attention, with Walker maintaining his innocence throughout the proceedings.
