Why is Dan Walker leaving BBC Breakfast? Where is presenter going, what’s new job, and who is replacing him

Dan Walker told viewers he had “no idea” who will replace him on the BBC Breakfast red sofa when he hosted the show for the final time in May 2022.

On his last day, the presenter also revealed he had to host his final show after just over two hours sleep due to having to stop at a service station on the way to Salford, where BBC Breakfast is filmed, on the evening of May 16 to charge his electric car.

Although it has been a few days since Walker presented his last show, it is still not known who will replace him in the long-term.

Ever since Walker first took to Twitter to tell fans he would be leaving the BBC and moving to Channel 5 in April, viewers have been left wondering who will take over the coveted role.

So, what did Dan Walker say on Twitter, what did he say about his move to Channel 5, when was his last day on BBC Breakfast and who could replace him?

Here’s everything you need to know.

When did Dan Walker leave BBC Breakfast?

Dan Walker announced on Tuesday 3 May that his last day presenting BBC Breakfast will be Tuesday 17 May.

Speaking to co-host Sally Nugent on that edition of the show he said: “May 17 is my last day, so two weeks today.”

Nugent said: “That’s not many shifts left, is it?”

Walker replied: “Well, if you discount this one because we’re on it, it’s only six.”

Nugent responded: “That’s not many early alarm calls.”

Referencing the fact that he gets up at 3am so that he can be ready to begin presenting BBC Breakfast at 6am, Walker said: “I know. Six more three o’clockers and then I’m out of here.”

Nugent then asked Walker if it was lovely for him to know he would be getting more sleep.

He replied: “It is nice, but as I have explained to you it is also quite a big decision and a sad one as well.”

Nugent interjected with “Yes, Daniel, I know It’s okay, we’ve talked about it a lot. It’s fine.”

Walker then went on to thank viewers who have said “lovely things” to him since he announced he would be leaving the show.

“The other thing to say is thank you to everybody who’s sent so many lovely messages. Lots of people want to chat to you about this program, it means an awful lot to an awful lot of people.

“It’s reminded me how special this show is and how much everybody who watches it loves it. Thank you very much for everyone who’s come up and said some lovely things.”

What did Dan Walker say on Twitter about his last day?

The presenter took to his on his personal Twitter page in the early hours of Tuesday 17 May to express his his excitement for his last day.

In a video posted just after 5.20am, which showed Walker on his final walk to the BBC Breakfast studios, he said he was going to enjoy his last day.

He said: “Good morning. Here we go then, final stroll in to BBC Breakfast. You can see it’s a glorious morning here in Salford.

“I’m armed with cakes for the briliant Breakfast team, who’ve been an absolute pleasure to work with for the last six years.

“Hopefully it’s going to be a fun day. Lots of talk about, lots of big news stories around today. We’ve got some great guests on the show as well so I’m going to enjoy the last one.”

Why did Dan Walker leave BBC Breakfast?

Walker’s last day at BBC Breakfast comes just a few weeks after he responded to reports that his channel move was motivated by money.

Writing on his personal Twitter page and personal Instagram page on Monday 11 April he said that the truth behind his channel 5 is “simple”.

He said: “It is often the case that the simple truth is much duller than all the made-up ‘moles’ and so-called ‘sources’ claim.

“In a nutshell… a bloke with a really good job, which he loved, got offered a really good job somewhere else which provided an amazing new challenge and the chance to make some exciting TV. The bloke explained to his current employers that, even though it was a tough decision, he had decided to leave.

“They are now trying their best to allow him to make a dignified departure. Have a great Monday. I’m off for some toast.”

Walker also told Nugent on the red sofa earlier this month that he’s “never ever been motivated by money” in any job he’s had.