Broadcaster Dan Walker has spoken out for the first time after finding himself at the centre of controversy.
The former BBC Breakfast host – who left for Channel 5 in 2022 – was hit by a complaint from a colleague in March this year.
Dan, 47, was then embroiled in a multi-pronged complaint which led network bosses to bring in investigators.
At the time, an industry source told The Sun that the investigation had ‘sent shockwaves round Channel 5 and ITN’.
‘He was devastated and totally stunned to be dragged into this,’ the insider said.
‘Dan knew about the complaint last year, but he was initially told all the claims related to events before he joined Channel 5.
‘This really shocked him – and he just couldn’t understand it.’
The news anchor ‘cooperated with the investigation and was totally open and transparent because he had nothing to hide.’
Ultimately, it was ruled by the HR-led probe that the former Strictly Come Dancing star had done nothing wrong.
After the dad-of-three was ‘completely exonerated’ of any wrongdoing, an investigator said of the claims from the unnamed co-worker in the media: ‘There is a lack of evidence to support allegations.’
A Channel 5 spokesperson also said that ‘none’ of the claims had been upheld.
Dan is still reluctant to talk about the incident but discussed his feelings calmly in a new interview with The Telegraph.
‘I haven’t really talked about it, but that was fully investigated and everything was completely incorrect and I was entirely vindicated by an independent inquiry,’ he began.
‘So yeah, that’s not nice, but you hold on to what you know the truth is and ultimately the truth is the important thing.’
Dan – who competed in Strictly in 2021 with pro partner Nadiya Bychkova – added that hanging on for the findings of the inquiry ‘wasn’t easy’.
However, he held onto the fact that he knew the truth, saying: ‘I know I’m not that person, so… And yeah there’s days you worry about that but also you know that that’s a picture you don’t recognise, and nobody you’ve ever worked with recognises.’
Dan lives in Sheffield with his wife, Sarah, and their children Susanna, Jessica, and Chuck.
On whether the investigation impacted his home life, he admitted that being under any kind of ‘scrutiny’ is ‘difficult’.
He also stated it’s ‘important that the industry is scrutinised’ but it’s ‘also important that we hold on to what is true and what is right.’
Elsewhere in the interview, Dan reflected fondly on his time on Strictly, which saw him place fifth before Rose Ayling-Ellis went on to lift the trophy with Giovanni Pernice.
In recent months and as excitement for the 2024 series bubbles, the dance show has been hit by serious allegations, resulting in Giovanni’s departure, as well as the exit of Graziano Di Prima.
Amanda Abbington is one of several former celebrities to accuse Giovanni of ‘toxicity’ and ‘bullying’, which he denies.
Meanwhile, Graziano was allegedly physically abusive towards Love Islander Zara McDermott, with reports claiming he kicked her.
Graziano later spoke out, claiming he merely ‘brushed’ her and insisted: ‘I’m not an abusive man.’
Of his stint on the hit BBC show, Dan had nothing but good things to say: ‘I found the programme to be really positive for me.’
Although, he acknowledges that, ‘from a BBC perspective’, the broadcaster has to ‘sort it out’.
‘You don’t want somebody to go on it and feel the way that some of those people have felt.’
Dan left the BBC two years ago after setting his alarm for 3am each morning from 2016.
At the time, he said he was moving onto a new chapter for fresh ‘opportunities’ as, alongside hosting Channel 5 News, he’s fronted other shows, including alongside Helen Skelton.
His final show was ’emotional’, though, but after being able to hit the snooze button for a while, Dan recently returned to morning presenting with Classic FM.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Explicit texts Jermaine Jenas sent during Qatar World Cup revealed: ‘Do you want my boy?’
MORE : Neil the baby actor unrecognisable as a teenager on set for final Gavin and Stacey episode
