Mail Online

Devout Dan: Bible says I should never practise on Sabbath

By Katie Hind

WHILE most Strictly stars train every day, hoping to increase their chances of waltzing off with the glitterball trophy, Christian Dan Walker won’t be dancing on Sundays.

The BBC Breakfast presenter has told his partner Nadiya Bychkova he will be taking the Lord’s Day off for religious reasons.

It means risking the frustration of the ballroom and Latin champion since it will reduce the hours they have to practise – something that could become increasingly important if they progress closer to the final.

A source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Dan’s religion is very important to him and he won’t be dancing on Sundays. It is a sacrifice he makes for his faith.

‘While Nadiya will have to understand, the professional dancers become more competitive than the celebrities as the series draws to a close, the rivalry amongst them is huge.’

Dan, 42, who follows the Evangelical Christian tradition, made it clear when he began working as a television presenter that he wouldn’t work on Sundays.

The move has meant fewer employment opportunities because many football matches are on that day.

In an interview in 2016, the former Football Focus host was asked if he would work Sundays even if it was an extremely tempting job.

The church minister’s son said: ‘I’d say, “I really appreciate that. It’s a lovely offer and I’m sure it would be a magnificent programme but someone else can do it,” because for me Sundays are even more important than the best job in the world.’

Last night Dan and Nadiya scored 24 for their quickstep to Everybody Needs Somebody To Love by The Blues Brothers.

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2021-09-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

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