Dan Walker admits he is 'embarrassed by the amount I earn' for presenting jobs

Dan Walker recently made the jump from the BBC to a new role at Channel 5. (PA/Getty) — Dan Walker recently made the jump from the BBC to a new role at Channel 5. (PA/Getty) (PA Images via Getty Images)

Dan Walker has confessed to feeling embarrassed when his BBC salary was made public, admitting he feels "uncomfortable that I get paid a lot to do a job I love".

The former Breakfast host told the Daily Mail's Weekend magazine that it was "awful" when his BBC salary was published on the front of national newspapers.

Read more: Who will be Dan Walker's BBC replacement?

Walker was listed as earning around £295,000 per year when the most recent salary bands were published in 2021, putting him alongside Nicky Campbell and Jeremy Vine.

He said: "I am embarrassed by the amount I earn. My parents had no money growing up. All my clothes were hand-me-downs.

Watch: Dan Walker teases debut appearance on Channel 5

"At a time when people are struggling to put food on the table, it's horrible to have your salary on the front page."

Walker's salary in the latest list put him in 18th place in the rankings, which were topped by Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker and his £1.36m annual wage packet.

Read more: Dan Walker says Channel 5 move isn't about money

At the time, Walker fronted weekly panel discussion show Football Focus for the BBC, as well as his daily appearances on the Breakfast sofa.

Walker is due to make his debut as the new anchor of Channel 5 News on 6 June, after tearfully saying goodbye to his former employer in May.

Dan Walker was rejoined by long-time co-host Louise Minchin for his final episode of BBC Breakfast. (BBC) — Dan Walker was rejoined by long-time co-host Louise Minchin for his final episode of BBC Breakfast. (BBC)

He will front the channel's daily 5pm bulletin alongside Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, as well as making other shows for the broadcaster.

In a teaser clip posted on social media, Walker said: "It's great to be joining Channel 5, but news is never about who sits in the chair. It's the stories that matter the most from a team you can trust."

Read more: Dan Walker reveals accident almost ended his Strictly journey

Walker's broadcasting career began as a sports commentator on the radio before he netted the Football Focus job in 2009 and replaced Bill Turnbull on Breakfast in 2016.

In 2021, he competed on Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional partner Nadiya Bychkova and became one of the most popular contestants on the show, despite backlash to his success.

Watch: Dan Walker signs off for final time on BBC Breakfast

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