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Channel 5 news anchor Dan Walker will be missing from the teatime news bulletin on Monday, 20 April, and has issued a statement to explain his absence to viewers.

The presenter is today facing an employment tribunal at the London Tribunals Centre, where he will contest allegations of sexism, misogyny, and workplace bullying levelled against him.

The claims were brought by his former co-host Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije. Walker, 49, who joined Channel 5 News in April 2022, has been named as a respondent in the case alongside ITN, which produces the programme, and Channel 5's parent company, Paramount.

An ITN spokesperson said: "This claim, which is denied in full, will be addressed through the tribunal process."

While Walker will not be fronting 5 News this evening, he has revealed the true reason behind his absence - he will instead be presenting Classic FM Live at the Royal Albert Hall alongside Myleene Klass. He also confirmed he will return to the 5 News desk on Tuesday, 21 April, reports the Mirror.

Taking to Instagram on Monday morning with a photograph of himself, he wrote: "Good morning. Exciting day today... @classicfm this morning and then off to the @royalalberthall to present Classic FM Live alongside the brilliant @myleeneklass

"Can't wait but that does mean no @c5news for me tonight. You can still join the guys at 5 on 5 and I will be back on the telly tomorrow. Have a cracking Monday."

He was greeted with a host of comments from followers, including those eagerly anticipating the show at the Royal Albert Hall. One wrote: "Have a wonderful day Dan can't wait to see your new suit later."

A second remarked: "So looking forward to this evening!!! xoxo" while another added: "See you later!"

The Royal Albert Hall website has released details of the event, which sees the pair host a spectacular concert featuring musical highlights including Rossini's William Tell overture, Bizet's Carmen, and John Williams' music to E.T., performed by the celebrated City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra conducted by Michael Seal.

Acclaimed pianist Alice Sara Ott, operatic tenor Lawrence Brownlee and violin virtuoso Nemanja Radulovi are joined by operatic mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina and Classic FM Rising Star guitarist Rosie Bennet on the line-up of star soloists performing on the night.

A breathtaking finale will see dramatic lights and fireworks accompany the performers on stage.

5 News is on Channel 5 daily from 5pm