Having fronted BBC Breakfast for the past five years, Dan Walker is one of the most recognisable faces on TV and now he’s taking to the Strictly dancefloor every Saturday night as he and dance partner Nadiya Bychkova compete against 14 other couples to win the Glitterball trophy.
But while he wakes up the nation most mornings, fans might be surprised to know that Dan is a devout Evangelical Christian.
Although he's previously said, "I don't think I've ever shoved my faith down anyone's throat," the presenter has been publicly ridiculed for his religion in the past. However, he says his faith is “strong” and an “important part” of his life. Here’s everything you need to know about Dan’s religion…
What is Dan Walker’s religion?
Dan is an Evangelical Christian. The term evangelical derives from Greek and means “gospel” or “good news”.
While there is no official definition of an Evangelical Christian, put simply, evangelical refers to a person, church, or organisation committed to the Christian gospel message that Jesus Christ is the saviour of humanity.
How has Dan Walker's religion prepared him for Strictly?
Dan has insisted that he won't let any criticism get to him during his stint on Strictly as he has "the skin of a rhino" when it comes to other people's opinions, which he says comes from his faith.
He said, "I never mind what people write or say about me. That’s because, as a Christian, I don’t take my value from what people think about me."
"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. And I’m thankful that I’ve developed the skin of a rhino," he added on The Profile podcast.
CHECK OUT the official Strictly Come Dancing 2021 line-up in fill
Strictly Come Dancing 2021 official line-up (slider)
1 of 15Tom Fletcher
Best known for: McFly "I think the fact that I'm actually going to be dancing on Strictly this year has only just started to sink in while I'm writing this! I'm incredibly excited, of course, but also totally terrified! My kids were excited too until I started showing them my best dad-dancing in the kitchen. I'm not sure how far they'll get me in the competition but I can't wait to add some new moves to my embarrassing dad-dancing repertoire."
2 of 15AJ Odudu
Best known for: TV presenter"I am beyond chuffed that I am going to be on this year's Strictly Come Dancing and I'm so glad I can finally tell my mum. Her face will be a picture, she's going to be over the moon! I absolutely love the show and am fully committed to making the most of every second of the Strictly experience. Bring it on!"
3 of 15Robert Webb
Best known for: Comedian and actor "I am ludicrously excited to be taking part in Strictly this year. It's a big, generous, joyful show and I can't wait to get packed into a spandex onesie and fired from a glitter cannon directly at Claudia Winkleman. At least I think that's what happens. My goal is to try and survive from week to week without causing serious injury to myself or innocent bystanders. I know it's going to be a challenge. To do well in this competition is a test of character, although mainly it's a test of dancing."
4 of 15John Whaite
Best known for: Baker"I'm so grateful, excited, and nervous to be joining the Strictly 2021 family. I've been wearing sequins and jazzy attire since I was three years old and can't wait to hurl myself, full throttle, around the most glamorous dance floor on earth."What's more exciting for me, is that I'm going to be one half of the first all-male partnership, which is a great step forward in representation and inclusion. Whoever it is I'm paired with, I hope they are up for a challenge as I want our routines to include lots of spectacular lifts!"
5 of 15Rhys Stephenson
Best known for: CBBC presenter "I am BUZZING to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing 2021. I have dreamt about being on this show, and I know for a fact that it is going to exceed every expectation. I cannot wait to experience it all: the costumes, the orchestra, even Craig's glare! I am READY!"
6 of 15Sara Davies
Best known for: Businesswoman and Dragon's Den"My Mam and Dad are going to be so excited. I'm really nervous because so far the producers keep asking me if I can dance. Truth be told – I haven't got a clue! I've not danced since I did ballet lessons when I was little. The business world has taught me that tenacity, drive and determination deliver results, I hope that I can bring that to the dancefloor. And I'm excited to see the impact of all those hours of training on my mum tum!"
7 of 15Katie McGlynn
Best known for: Actress"It's been so hard keeping it a secret, but I can finally say that I'm getting ready to shake my shimmy and become part of the Strictly family! I'm really not a dancer, but I'm so excited to learn a new skill on this crazy journey and cannot wait to slip into some sequins along the way. Although I do get to have so much fun as an actress, a lot of my roles have involved quite serious and challenging storylines, so I'm fully ready to let my hair down and do something different, even if it is completely outside of my comfort zone. I can't promise that I'll be the best, but I'm going to give it 110% on the dance floor! As long as I don't fall over I'll be happy."
8 of 15Dan Walker
Best known for: TV presenter"I am definitely excited, a little bit worried, mostly terrified and a small part of me is considering going into hiding! My kids have only ever asked me to go on two shows… Saturday Mash Up and Strictly. I did Saturday Mash Up this summer so… it's time to embrace the sequins".
9 of 15Tilly Ramsay
Best known for: Chef, social media influencer and TV presenter "I'm so excited and grateful to be joining the Strictly family! I'm always up for fun new challenges and this will be my biggest adventure yet! I'm going to put my heart and soul into this and can't wait to get my dancing shoes on and show my Dad how it's really done! Bring on the glitz, glamour and sequins!"
10 of 15Greg Wise
Best known for: Actor and producer"My beautiful sister was a huge disco queen. She left our world almost exactly 5 years ago in a glitter ball coffin. This is for her. My gorgeous Diva sis, who would have been insane with excitement that her little bro was doing this. I will channel her, as her bro can't dance - but I'm thrilled to be dipping my toes, knees, hips and arms into this wonderful world, and hope to make her proud, and obviously make her laugh..."
11 of 15Nina Wadia OBE
Best known for: Actress"I've always danced like nobody's watching, so if we blindfold the judges I could actually win Strictly 2021."
12 of 15Rose Ayling-Ellis
Best known for: ActressTo be the first deaf contestant on Strictly Come Dancing is sooooo exciting.. and a little bit scary. It is the hardest secret I have ever had to keep so it feels amazing to finally have this out in the open! I hope I will do the deaf community proud and break down more barriers. But I am also very excited to learn an incredible new skill and even better I get to learn whilst wearing beautiful dresses made especially for me!"
13 of 15Adam Peaty
Best known for: Team GB Olympic swimmer"I think this will come as a surprise to a lot of people, but I'm so excited to finally share the news that I'll be joining Strictly this year. I'm really looking forward to doing something totally different and challenging myself away from the pool. I'm hoping my competitive nature is going to compensate for my dancing abilities!"
14 of 15Judi Love
Best known for: Loose Women panellist and comedian: "I think I am still in shock that I will be part of this amazing show. I've watched it for many years and admired the phenomenal abilities of these dancers and celebrities that have taken part and dedicated themselves to learning a new craft. I'm truly looking forward to pushing myself in something that I could have only dreamed of doing and now it's actually coming true!! I can't lie I'm soooo nervous but excited at the same time!!"
15 of 15Ugo Monye
Best known for: TV presenter and former Rugby Union star"What a dream come true! Strictly is the biggest entertainment show on TV and I can't wait to show everyone I've got more than just dad dancing moves. My two beautiful daughters never had a chance to see me on the rugby pitch, so to know they can watch me waltzing and twirling every week is really special to me. I love an outfit at the best of times, so bring on the sequins!"
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Has Dan Walker always been religious?
Dan's faith began when he was in his early teens. "That’s when I first started thinking in great depth about my place in the universe," he told Premier Christianity.
"I know that’s a bit of a deep question to think about when you’re only twelve or 13, but for me it was an understanding of who I was; who God was; what my relationship with Jesus Christ was and what I wanted it to look like."
Does Dan Walker's religion affect his job?
Dan follows the Christian belief of not working on the Sabbath, therefore he doesn't work on Sundays. This hasn't affected his career, however, as he has travelled the world presenting major sporting events like the Olympics, the FIFA World Cup and Wimbledon.
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How has Dan Walker responded to criticism of his religion?
Dan has previously faced backlash for his faith, particularly after replacing Bill Turnbull on BBC Breakfast in 2016 when The Daily Telegraph columnist Rupert Myers said, “Creationists cannot be trusted to report objectively... or to interact reasonably with their interviewees and with the public."
However, the dad-of-three hit back, “I have never, and will never, describe myself as a creationist. As a Christian, just like every Christian, Jew and Muslim, I believe that God is behind creation. But that is it.”
He told The Daily Mirror, “I want to live in a world where we can have different views on things. An atheist can interview a Hindu about the intricacies of their faith. I don't understand why we are terrified of people who think slightly differently to the way we do."
Dan later added, “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. That’s the way I see things – I’m to do the job I’ve been given to do to the best of my ability and see what comes of that.”