Dan Walker announces he’s leaving Football Focus
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Tipping Point presenter Ben Shephard has taken to Twitter to publicly message BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker. The Good Morning Britain star said he was “sorry” to hear Dan will be departing from one of his BBC shows.
So sorry to hear this Dan
Ben Shephard
Dan, 44, announced on Thursday that after 12 years, he would be stepping down from Football Focus, which airs every Saturday.
In a video message to his 707,4000 Twitter followers, Walker said: “This is going to be my last season presenting Football Focus.
“It’s been an amazing 12 years and I can honestly say I have loved every single second of it.
“I am really proud of the job we’ve done, the changes we’ve made to the show and issues we’ve looked at, and at a time when the football landscape has changed immeasurably.
“But, having said all that, after 12 years it’s time for someone else to take the reins.”
After hearing the news, Ben replied to Dan’s personal video adding: “So sorry to hear this Dan – have loved and enjoyed more or less every one!!!
“You’re def owed a weekend lie-in. Can’t wait to see what’s next!! [sic]”.
While Dan will still be presenting BBC Breakfast alongside Louise Minchin, as well as the upcoming Summer Olympic games, he teased that “one or two exciting opportunities” will also be unveiled in due course.
Continuing his announcement, he said: “I’m really going to miss the magic of the programme, the opportunities it has given me, the great friends, the many friends I have made along the way and the thousands and thousands of conversations I’ve had with people who have thankfully loved the show just as much as I do.”
Dad-of-two Dan added: “The last thing I want to say is thank you. First of all to the amazing team behind the programme who put in so much love, care and effort every single week to get us on air.
“And thank you, for all the comments, all the questions and for tuning in, those record audiences for a programme that’s been on air since 1974. I really hope you enjoy the rest of the season and I’ll see you soon.”
While Dan’s replacement has not yet been announced by the BBC, his final appearance on the show will air on May 22.
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Despite the pair often engaging in small spats, Piers Morgan has joked that he is willing to step into Dan’s shoes and take over.
Sharing Dan’s post, Piers wrote: “I start Saturday.”
Philip Bernie, Head of TV at BBC Sport said that he was “extremely grateful for all” Dan has given to Football Focus over the past 12 years.
Hours before posting his announcement, Dan was left speechless on BBC Breakfast after asking co-hosts Louise and Carol Kirkwood, 58, how they take their sausage sandwiches.
“I’ve got another really important question to ask you this morning,” he smiled, as Louise looked intrigued.
“Sausage sandwich – red sauce or brown sauce?”
Louise didn’t need to deliberate, replying straight away: “Neither. Marmalade!”
Dan’s eyes suddenly widened as he gazed down the camera lens in complete shock.
While Dan remained unable to speak, Louise added: “That’s really messed with your head, hasn’t it?”
However, Dan soon managed to utter a response, telling Louise: “What? You’re a maverick!”
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