Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije Drops All Claims Against Dan Walker After Out-of-Court Settlement

Former Co-Host Drops Tribunal Claims Against Dan Walker

A former Channel 5 News presenter has withdrawn all allegations against her one-time co-anchor Dan Walker after reaching a settlement with broadcaster Channel 5 and production company ITN. The resolution brings an end to what had promised to be a high-profile employment tribunal case in London.

Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, who shared the Channel 5 News desk with Walker for approximately a year between 2022 and 2023, had originally filed a series of serious workplace claims. These included unfair dismissal, breach of contract, and allegations of discrimination and harassment on the grounds of both race and sex.

Settlement Reached Without Admission of Liability

Representatives for Vanderpuije confirmed that a resolution had been reached, stating that she "can confirm that a mutual agreement has been reached with ITN and Channel 5 in respect of the matters subject to tribunal proceedings." The statement went on to confirm that Vanderpuije "fully withdraws her allegations relating to Dan Walker and does not intend to repeat or pursue them."

While the precise financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed publicly, ITN and Channel 5 are understood to have paid Vanderpuije an undisclosed sum as part of the settlement. Crucially, neither party made any admission of liability in doing so. Upon being informed of the agreement, the presiding judge formally dismissed the case.

Dan Walker Responds to the Outcome

Walker, a former BBC Breakfast and Football Focus presenter who joined Channel 5 News in 2022, expressed both relief and frustration at having been drawn into the proceedings in the first place.

"Channel 5 and ITN have reached an agreement with the claimant," he said. "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."

He also took the opportunity to thank those who had publicly supported him throughout the ordeal. "I will be forever grateful to those who were kind enough to go on the record with their accounts of working alongside me," Walker added.

Channel 5 and ITN Issue Statements

Both Channel 5 and ITN were unequivocal in their response to the settlement. ITN released a statement saying: "We continue to deny these claims in full, and we are glad this matter has been resolved."

A spokesperson for Channel 5 echoed that position: "We strongly reject the claims that were made and are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that all the allegations relating to Dan Walker have been withdrawn."

Vanderpuije departed Channel 5 News in 2024, roughly a year after her on-screen partnership with Walker concluded. The case had been scheduled for a full hearing at an employment tribunal in London before the agreement was reached.