Vanderpuije Withdraws Claims Against Walker

Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije has withdrawn her claims against former co-host Dan Walker following a mutual agreement with ITN and Channel 5. The case involved allegations of unfair dismissal, discrimination, harassment on grounds of race and sex, and breach of contract.

The tribunal was set to be heard at an employment tribunal in London but was dismissed after the settlement was reached. According to Vanderpuije's lawyers, she fully withdraws her allegations relating to Walker and does not intend to repeat or pursue them.

Walker expressed relief that he would not have to go through with the tribunal proceedings. He stated on Instagram, '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.' Walker also expressed concern for Vanderpuije's well-being and hoped she would find peace.

Both ITN and Channel 5 strongly rejected the claims made by Vanderpuije. A spokesperson for Channel 5 said, 'We strongly reject the claims that were made and are pleased that this matter has been resolved.' An ITN spokesperson added, 'We continue to deny these claims in full, and we are glad this matter has been resolved.'

Sources close to the case suggest that Vanderpuije will receive a settlement significantly less than the £4 million initially demanded. The agreement was reached with no admission of liability from any of the parties. It is unclear whether Vanderpuije will be left with much after her legal costs are met, given that the action has been ongoing for at least two years and she is now on to her second lawyer.

Evidence was due to be shown that initially, Vanderpuije did not blame Walker for her fallout with ITN and its chief executive Rachel Corp. Sources close to the case say that Vanderpuije made it clear to Walker that her issues were with Channel 5 and ITN, not him. She even expressed support from Walker during her struggles at work.