Dan Walker hits out at his Strictly critics but admits he's 'not sure' how he's still in the show

He’s been performing for the nation with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova every weekend.  

And, Dan Walker, 44, has hit out at his Strictly Come Dancing critics who want him off the show, but admitted that he’s ‘not sure’ how he’s still in the BBC dancing competition. 

The broadcaster also revealed that his involvement has inspired an elderly man to return to the dance classes, which he gave up decades ago after his wife passed away.

‘It’s not the world championships!’ Dan Walker, 44, has hit out at his Strictly critics who want him off the show, but admitted that he’s ‘not sure’ how he’s still in the BBC dancing competition

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Dan posted a photograph of a print article asking how he was still on Strictly, and hit back at his critics in a lengthy caption alongside.

He wrote: ‘I’m not sure but we are incredibly thankful for all the support and it’s a true privilege to be a small part of the biggest show on the telly.

‘I know articles like this are sourced from a few comments on social media but each week I get thousands of messages from people who love the show and are really enjoying watching @nadiyabychkova teaching me to dance.

‘When I’ve watched Strictly in the past I have always liked seeing great dancers but also those who learn to love it and are working hard to improve every week. It’s a TV show and not the world championships.

‘I will continue!’ Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Dan posted a photograph of a print article asking how he was still on Strictly, and hit back at his critics in a lengthy caption alongside

‘I never thought I would be able to do some of the things Nadiya has taught me. She has given me a confidence that I thought was way beyond me. I just want to learn as many dances as possible.

‘Anyway… on with the American Smooth. Whoever you vote for this weekend… I hope you enjoy the show. I will continue to do it with a massive smile on my face.’

Meanwhile, speaking on BBC Breakfast, Dan 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. 

Inspiring: The broadcaster also revealed that his involvement has inspired an elderly man to return to the dance classes, which he gave up decades ago after his wife passed away

‘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”.’

Dan then revealed that Cecil had even started having dancing lessons again after being inspired by watching the broadcaster on Strictly. 

‘So that’s what the programme is all about, isn’t it?’ pointed out Dan, before insisting: ‘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.’

Professional partner: He’s been performing for the nation with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova every weekend