Strictly's Dan Walker announces huge career change: 'I'm over the moon!'

Dan Walker has joined Classic FM.

The 46-year-old journalist fronted 'BBC Breakfast' from 2016 until 2022 before going on to host various programmes for Channel 5, and he is now "over the moon" to be given the chance to host a new morning show on Classic FM radio, which will air weekdays from 6.30am.

He said: "This is an amazing chance to join one of the biggest radio stations in the country. I’m over the moon that I’m going to be part of Classic FM’s brilliant line-up and presenting the breakfast show is a wonderful opportunity.

"I am passionate about classical music and I’m a long-time listener – I also love the breakfast audience and I think they know me well so I can’t wait to get started."

The new show will air from 8 January and it comes shortly after it was confirmed that comedian Stephen Mangan had also bagged an afternoon slot on the radio.

Philip Noyce, Classic FM’s Managing Editor, said: “It’s really fitting to welcome in the new year with our new-look 2024 schedule and to be able to welcome Dan Walker back to breakfast broadcasting as the new host of Classic FM Breakfast is fantastic.

“We look forward to him joining the Classic FM family with an engaging and rejuvenating programme, weekdays from 6.30am, to ease listeners into the start of their day.”

Meanwhile, Dan finished in fifth place on the 2021 edition of BBC Latin and ballroom competition 'Strictly Come Dancing' along with professional partner Nadiya Bychkova and recently admitted he enjoyed the experience much more than he thought he would.

Speaking on the 'White Wine Question Time' podcast, he told former 'Loose Women' anchor Kate Thornton: "I think I enjoyed it 10 times more than I thought I would. As someone who loves live telly as well, 'Strictly' is the biggest show on the box and they basically employed everyone who is brilliant at their jobs to come together, whether that is wardrobe, makeup, hair, lighting, floor managers.

"I expected to be there for three weeks and I was there for three months."