BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker is all set to use his Christian faith to protect himself from dancing criticism during his Strictly Come Dancing stint.
The former Football Focus host, 44, is set to join the line-up alongside the likes of soap star Katie McGlynn, Loose Women’s Judi Love and comedian Robert Webb.
But any criticism he receives from judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Anton Du Beke will be like water off a duck’s back, thanks to his devout Christianity.
Speaking on Premier Christian Radio podcast The Profile, Dan opened up about how his religion will help during the dancing contest.
Dan said: “I never mind what people write or say about me.
(Image: BBC)
“That’s because, as a Christian, I don’t take my value from what people think about me,” he explained.
“I know I can’t control all those things, hurtful or hateful, whatever they might be, that people say about me or my family, or about my faith.”
Dan added: “And I’m thankful that I’ve developed the skin of a rhino.”
The Breakfast host has spoken in the past about his faith, which began when he was just a “young lad” when he “first started thinking in great depth in about my place in the universe”.
(Image: mrdanwalker/Twitter)
As an Evangelical Christian, Dan made the decision not to work on the Sabbath – that’s every Sunday, Monday, and every other Friday – and he’s maintained that throughout his career.
Dan told Premier Christianity: “I like to think that my faith makes me a better broadcaster, a better journalist.
“It was Martin Luther who said that if you’re going to be the best Christian shoemaker, don’t put crosses on all the shoes, just make the best shoes.”
(Image: BBC)
However, upon initially announcing his Strictly stint, he admitted he doesn’t think he’s got much chance of scooping the coveted Glitterball trophy.
Speaking to his BBC Breakfast co-host Louise Minchin, Dan chuckled: “I’m one of those people, I’ve danced at three weddings and two school discos.
“I’m enjoying the experience when it starts of actually learning to dance.
“I’ll be honest, I’m not making room on any shelves in my house for the Glitterball!”
Speaking about the partner he most fancies teaming up with on the show, Dan said: “I will accept anyone if they will accept me. I’m six foot six, as you well know, so the question is if anyone that tall can look half decent on the television when trying to dance.
“I just want somebody who doesn’t mind the old stray elbow in the back.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
