DAN Walker took an emotional final walk to the BBC Breakfast studio this morning ahead of his final appearance hosting the show.
The news anchor took to Instagram to document his last day – as he arrived at work with cakes to celebrate with his team.
Dan, 44, who announced last month that he was leaving the BBC for a new role at Channel 5, bids farewell to the show this morning.
Despite having “under three hours of sleep”, the star appeared fresh-faced in an Instagram video at 5am as he walked round Salford.
“Final walk into BBC Breakfast,” he told his followers. “I’m armed with cakes for the team, who have been an absolute pleasure to work with.
“Hopefully it’s going to be a fun day – there’s lots to talk about and lots of big news stories going around today, and we’ve got some great guests on the show.”
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He went on to encourage his fans to “join” the final programme by watching at home, adding: “See you in there, thanks very much!”
Dan followed up with a selfie of him and the team, including co-hosts Sally Nugent and Nina Warhurst, as they prepared to host the show.
Walking around backstage, Dan revealed he’d put on a blue suit for his final appearance, as well as floral blue socks.
“The final wander in with the one and only Sally,” Dan went on to film, as he strode side-by-side to the studio with his co-host.
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“It’s a big day, isn’t it, Dan?” Sally, 50, could be heard encouraging him, before adding: “No, no tears. It will be fine. Come on, with feeling.”
The pair then stepped through the studio doors before going live on air on BBC One at 6am – with Dan’s final show finishing at 9:15am.
Fans broke down in tears as the host announced he was stepping down after six years and said goodbye to his colleagues.
Viewers were sad as the end drew near, with one writing on Twitter: “All the best for the future, thank you for keeping us entertained.”
Another tweeted alongside a crying emoji: “I will really miss your smile and your caring approach. All the best.”
Dan’s BBC Breakfast departure comes as bookmakers claim bosses are ‘honing in’ on his replacement.
While his successor hasn’t officially been announced, Ladbrokes believe it’s almost certain Jon Kay will be the man to take over.
The 52-year-old has worked on Breakfast since 2010 and often fills in for its main hosts when they are unwell or away.
Labrokes spokesman Alex Apati told the Star: “It’s looking increasingly likely that BBC chiefs have found Dan Walker’s replacement.
“And he’s no stranger to the Breakfast family, with Jon Kay pulling away from the chasing pack.”
