BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker has been confirmed as the eighth celebrity joining Strictly Come Dancing's 2021 line-up. The former Football Focus host will compete alongside Tom Fletcher, Robert Webb, Aj Odudu, John Whaite, Rhys Stephenson, Sara Davies and Katie McGlynn. Walker's announcement came as a surprise to viewers, but it was his co-host Louise Minchin who appeared most taken aback.
Minchin was kept entirely in the dark about Walker's participation, with only colleague Jon Kay aware of the reveal in the studio. As Walker appeared on screen while on holiday, a stunned Minchin exclaimed, 'What is he doing?!' and admitted she was 'really annoyed' that no one had informed her. Kay cheekily suggested she felt 'betrayed'.
Walker apologised for the secrecy, explaining that he had been busy with the Olympics and had only told his children the previous weekend. He added that producers had advised him not to tell Minchin, saying, 'I was told it would make good telly if we didn't tell you.' Minchin, still disgruntled, replied, 'It doesn't make good telly that I'm shocked, annoyed…'
Despite her frustration, Minchin said she was 'really excited' for her co-star. Walker, who is leaving BBC Breakfast, quipped that he needed 'some new excitement' in his life. He downplayed his chances of winning, joking about his lack of dance training and noting, 'I'm not clearing room on any shelves in our house for the Glitterball.'
Kay, however, encouraged Walker, telling him not to put himself down. The Strictly line-up continues to grow ahead of what promises to be a memorable series.
