Sports presenter Dan Walker will replace Bill Turnbull as the co-presenter of BBC Breakfast.

Dan, who currently hosts Afternoon Edition on BBC Radio 5 Live and Football Focus on BBC One, said he was “thrilled” to join the BBC’s daily morning news programme.

Bill announced in September that he was leaving the programme after 15 years.

Dan Walker, who has joined BBC Breakfast
Dan Walker, who has joined BBC Breakfast (BBC)

Dan said: “I’m thrilled to be joining the BBC Breakfast team. I have watched the show avidly over the years and am even looking forward to setting my alarm clock and doing what I can to make it even more successful.

“It is an honour to be given this opportunity and to follow in the footsteps of someone like Bill Turnbull.

“The man has significant shoes to fill, so I hope I can do as good a job as he did waking up the nation.”

BBC breakfast host Bill is leaving to spend more time with his bees
BBC breakfast host Bill is leaving to spend more time with his bees (Ian West/PA)

Dan will take his place on BBC Breakfast’s red sofa Monday to Wednesday, alongside Louise Minchin.

The 38-year-old’s career in journalism began on Sheffield’s Hallam FM Radio, before he moved to Manchester’s KEY103 radio station.

He then worked for Granada TV and BBC North West Tonight, before moving to BBC Sport.

Mark Lawrenson and Dan Walker on Pointless
Mark Lawrenson and Dan Walker on Pointless (Mark Yeoman/BBC/Endemol Shine UK)

Bill’s last day will be Friday February 26, with Dan taking over his spot on the sofa on Monday February 29.

Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty will continue to present the programme from Thursday to Saturday.

BBC Breakfast editor Adam Bullimore said: “Dan is an experienced journalist and presenter who will be a fantastic addition to the brilliant BBC Breakfast presenting team.

“He’s well used to handling breaking news and the challenges live TV can pose. We’re looking forward to him joining us on our sofa.”