Dan Walker addresses BBC Breakfast absence as he remains missing from line-up

6 Jan 2022

Mirror.co.uk

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Dan Walker addresses BBC Breakfast absence as he remains missing from lineup

After rumours and speculation Dan Walker is 'taking a break' from his presenting duties after a hectic year, the BBC Breakfast presenter has cleared things up with a short statement

Dan Walker was missing from BBC Breakfast's red sofa once again on Wednesday morning.

As rumours began to speculate about why the former Strictly Come Dancing star has been absent from our screens of late, the broadcaster cleared things up once and for all with a statement shared on social media.

Dan, 44, has been enjoying some time off his presenting duties, the BBC show has had a shake-up with its hosting team - with Jon Kay filling in for Dan, alongside regular presenter Sally Nugent.

Dan and Sally usually wake up BBC viewers from Monday to Wednesday each week, while Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt tend to take over in the latter part of the week.

Dan Walker has explained his absence from BBC Breakfast this week

Ben Thompson, Luxmy Gopal and Katherine Downes have all filled in for Dan during his absence this week, as fans watching at home wondered where their usual presenting duo was.

Dan poked fun at the situation on Tuesday, quote-tweeting his co-host Sally as she introduced Ben to viewers of the early-morning BBC show.

"What? You told me #bbcbreakfast wasn’t on this week and that you were 'in the Maldives'," Dan joked with his colleague on the social media platform.

Dan and Sally normally host the BBC show together Monday to Wednesday

On Wednesday, the Football Focus presenter turned serious on Twitter, as he confirmed his long-term position on BBC Breakfast.

"Just so you know… I haven’t left #BBCBreakfast, I haven’t ‘taken some time out after Strictly’ and there hasn’t been a ‘major presenter shake-up’ [Crying-with-laughter face emoji]," Dan told his 744,500 followers online.

"I’m just not in this week," he added, clearing things up.

"Phew! Will look forward to your return. Have a lovely week off," one relived fan replied to the star's tweet on Wednesday.

Fans were relieved to learn Dan is just on annual leave ( REX)

"You have had a busy few months! You have definitely earnt a break. Enjoy your time with the family," another added.

A third viewer joked the usual presenting line up helps them recall their own routine, writing: "I normally work out which day of the week it is by who’s on!!! #Retirement issues."

Dan had a super busy 2021 - where he juggled his BBC presenting duties alongside making it all the way to the quarter finals of Strictly Come Dancing.

After a successful run, the broadcaster found himself in the bottom two against AJ Odudu in the last show before the semi finals.

The broadcaster impressed viewers during his stint on Strictly ( BBC)

In the dance-off, Dan and pro partner Nadiya Bychkova performed his Tango to Santa Maria by Gotan Project, AJ and her partner Kai Widdrington danced their Salsa to Rhythm Is Gonna Get You/Get On Your Feet by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine/Gloria Estefan before it was left to the judges to make their decision.

Ultimately, it was Dan's time to leave the dancefloor, but not before some kind words from the judges.

Craig Revel Horwood said: "Well I’ve got to say, Dan I think you did such a great job in the dance off, that’s the best I’ve ever seen you dance, ever!

AJ, you totally nailed that last bit, that was fantastic, a dilemma, but the couple I am going to save is AJ and Kai."

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