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Dan Walker cleared in serious misconduct probe that ‘sent shockwaves’ through C5

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Walker, 46, joined Channel 5 News from BBC Breakfast in April 2022
Walker, 46, joined Channel 5 News from BBC Breakfast in April 2022

TV star Dan Walker has been “completely exonerated” following a work place probe into serious conduct allegations.

The Channel 5 news anchor was the centre of a multi-pronged complaint which led network bosses to bring in investigators.

Dan Walker has been 'completely exonerated' following a work place probe into serious conduct allegations eiqeuiqzrituprw
Dan Walker has been 'completely exonerated' following a work place probe into serious conduct allegationsCredit: Press Enquiries: press@channel5.com NOTE: Paramount images are for the use of Press outlet
The results of the probe come after Dan was rushed to hospital when he was knocked off his bike last year
The results of the probe come after Dan was rushed to hospital when he was knocked off his bike last year
Dan was knocked from his bike in the middle of traffic
Dan was knocked from his bike in the middle of traffic

But the HR-led probe found the former Strictly Come Dancing star, a committed Christian, had done nothing wrong.

The complaint was made from a colleague working in the media.

Walker, a 46-year-old dad of three, joined Channel 5 News from BBC Breakfast in April 2022.

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He is believed to be paid £500,000 a year.

An investigator said of the claims: “There is a lack of evidence to support allegations.”

An industry source said: “This row has sent shockwaves round Channel 5 and ITN.

“Dan is a hugely popular figure and is really well-respected.

“He was devastated and totally stunned to be dragged into this.

“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.

“But he co-operated with the investigation and was totally open and transparent because he had nothing to hide — and was later relieved but not surprised to be totally exonerated.

“Everything was done by the book and they brought in an external team to ensure the probe’s independence.”

A Channel 5 spokesman said: “ITN commissioned an independent external expert to investigate these allegations but none were upheld.”

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A spokesman for ITN said: “We take such claims incredibly seriously. To ensure fairness and impartiality, we appointed an independent external consultant and they have concluded their investigation.

“Given our ongoing duty of care, we won’t be commenting further.”

It comes after Dan was hit by a car and flung from his bike - knocking him out for 25 minutes - in February.

The bloodied presenter said he thought he was going to die after the vehicle ploughed into him on a busy roundabout.

He was covered in blood from injuries to his face, hands and legs, was unconscious until police and paramedics arrived.

He said at the time: “I thought I was a goner to be honest.

“I came round with paramedics and police standing over me on the other side of the roundabout.

“I’ve no idea how I got there or how I haven’t broken any bones.

“I have zero recollection of it. My face is a proper mess. I might need some surgery.”

The driver whose dashcam took the footage said: “I looked in my mirror and saw him roll across the road after he’d been hit.

“It was quite shocking — certainly something you don’t see every day.

“I checked the dashcam footage later and realised I had captured the moment.

“He’s lucky to be alive."

Mike Hamilton

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