Tuesday 17 May 2022 10:28 AM Dan Walker's big send-off: Louise Minchin surprises her former co-host on BBC ... trends now

Louise Minchin made a surprise return to BBC Breakfast this morning as part of a half-hour tribute segment for Dan Walker's last day.

Minchin, 53, left the show last autumn after 20 years but returned today to share a warm embrace with her co-presenter Walker, 45. 

Walker is set to join Channel 5 to become the lead anchor on 5 News, which will see him reportedly pocket £1.5million to host the channel's nightly news programme.

He was given an emotional farewell as he made his final appearance on BBC Breakfast after six years at the helm. 

Walker's current co-host Sally Nugent led the outpouring as the BBC aired a 30-minute tribute to him, which saw appearances from his Strictly Come Dancing partner Nadiya Bychkova and members of the Breakfast production team, as well as Minchin.

An emotional Minchin told her former co-host: 'It's an absolute pleasure and very emotional to be here.

'I know lots of people watching will be very sad that you're leaving, because you have touched the hearts of the nation over the last six years. I know people have loved watching you. I loved working with you.'

Minchin had earlier hinted at her return by posting a photo of her sitting in a makeup chair with stacks of brushes in front of her. She captioned it: 'Good morning, I am up early any guesses where I am what I am up to?' 

Walker also revealed he only managed 'two hours and 46 minutes' sleep before hosting his final BBC Breakfast due to 'travel issues' the night before.

As the 45-year-old took his 'final stroll' into the BBC studio in the early hours of Tuesday morning, he uploaded a video to his social media accounts saying he did not have the 'best prep for the final day'.

In a previous post from the night before, Walker said he was stuck on the M4 charging his electric vehicle and joked he may not make it to the studio in time.

On Tuesday morning, he managed to get home eventually but it was late in the evening, so he only got 'two hours and 46 minutes'' sleep.

Despite that, he commented on the 'glorious morning' and said he was heading into his final show 'armed with cakes for the brilliant breakfast team who have been a pleasure to work for the last six years'.

Walker, who had been a fixture on the show since 2016, announced his departure earlier this month.

He leaves the BBC to join Channel 5 to become the lead anchor on 5 News.

Walker also previously presented the BBC's Football Focus show from 2009 to 2021.

He took part in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing, revealing he signed up for the show to do something 'fun' and have a 'giggle' after reporting on difficult news stories during the pandemic.