Dan Walker signed up for 'Strictly Come Dancing' to something "fun" after a "grim" 18 months covering the news during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dan Walker
The 'BBC Breakfast' host has opened up on his decision to take part in the forthcoming series of the Saturday night favourite.
He said: "I cover a lot of news and the last 18 months has just been grim story after grim story. So I thought, an opportunity to do something that’s fun, that’s very different, that doesn’t involve reading headlines about awful stuff, and just have a bit of a giggle, and to learn a new skill."
The 44-year-old journalist will carry on with his other roles whilst competing on 'Strictly' but he is determined to put in the hours in rehearsals so he does himself justice on the dancefloor.
He said: "I've got two other jobs plus 'Strictly' to do. I’ll fit the training in where I can. I’m determined that I won’t go out of this competition for not trying hard enough, that might be my curse, but I will definitely do as much training as I possibly can around other stuff.
"I think probably not doing 100 per cent 'Strictly' gives you a good bit of perspective for a normal life as well, which I think is probably important."
Dan also joked about his apprehension about wearing the glittery costumes, which will be a stark change from his 'BBC Breakfast' attire.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz and other assembled media ahead of the show's launch, he said: "So far, there’s been a few funky tuxedos and some rather tighter shirts than I would normally wear. I’ll be concerned once we get towards the sort of see-through numbers, I’m trying to avoid that, leave that to the boys with the muscles."
Dan - who also presents 'The NFL Show after replacing Mark Chapman - will be joined on 'Strictly Come Dancing' by McFly musician Tom Fletcher, 'Loose Women' panellist Judi Love, former 'Coronation Street' actress Katie McGlynn, 'Peep Show' comedian Robert Webb and ex-'EastEnders' star Nina Wadia among others.
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