PRESENTER Dan Walker is to leave BBC Breakfast for a new TV venture.

The host, born in Crawley, announced that he is to join Channel 5 News in the coming weeks.

In a video message posted by Channel 5, he 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.

“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.

“And what I love about this deal is that I not only get to present the news, but also host a 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 very best to maintain her incredibly high standards.

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

Dan lived in Crawley until the age of 18, where he attended Ifield Primary School, Three Bridges Middle School and Hazelwick Secondary School.

The broadcaster previously presented Football Focus from 2009 to 2021, and had hosted BBC Breakfast since 2016.

He will replace Sian Williams to present 5 News, after Williams announced she was stepping down earlier this month.

Dan also took part in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing, revealing he signed up for the show to do something “fun” and have a “giggle” after reporting on difficult news stories during the pandemic.