Dan Walker has hit back at his 'Strictly Come Dancing' critics.
Dan Walker has hit back at his 'Strictly' critics
The 'BBC Breakfast' host, 44, is currently competing in the latest series of the Latin and ballroom show, and he has told how an elderly widower has inspired him to carry on, after some trolls questioned why he is still in the competition after some low scores.
Dan - who is partnered with pro dancer Nadiya Bychkova, 32 - said: "I had a chat with a lovely fella called Cecil in the park when I walked the dog on Sunday. He said that his wife died 30-odd years ago. And they used to dance together and he said that he stopped dancing when his wife died.
"Then he said, ‘I’ve watched 'Strictly' this year for the first time in a long time. Watching you and Nadiya, like the enjoyment you get from dancing even though you’re not a dancer, you’ve never danced this before. I’ve loved watching that so much.' "
The journalist spoke of how his encounter with the stranger - who is said to have taken up dancing lessons again since witnessing Dan's star turn on the ballroom show - made him realise it is a "privilege" to take on a challenge such as 'Strictly'.
He went on to blast critics who have questioned why he is still taking part in the show.
Speaking on 'BBC Breakfast', he added: "So that’s what the programme is all about, isn’t it? Can you, as somebody who’s never done it before, bring the joy that I’ve never understood comes from dancing until I started this programme.
"You’ve got to enjoy it. You’ve got to remember it’s a privilege to be on the programme. You’ve got to work hard, and try to improve every week."
Last week, Dan and Nadiya escaped elimination as swimmer Adam Peaty, 26, and his pro partner Katya Jones, 32, were axed.