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Wales Online
Wales Online
Lifestyle
Stephanie Colderick

Dan Walker says Michael Sheen's rousing Wales football message makes him want to 'run outside topless' as he reveals he's half Welsh

Michael Sheen sent spines tingling when he gave an impressive speech on A League of Their Own, urging the Welsh football team to succeed. The speech was so inspiring that former TV presenter Dan Walker proudly revealed he is half Welsh to his fans.

After being inspired by Michael's passionate speech, former BBC Breakfast host and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Dan took to Instagram to reveal his own Welsh links and he shared a clip of Michael's rallying speech.

Posting on Saturday, September 10, said: "If you need a little kickstart to your Saturday... this comes courtesy of Michael Sheen. I'm half Welsh and I'm tempted to go out into the street topless" followed by two laughing emojis.

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Channel 5 news anchor Dan, who lives in Sheffield with his wife and three children, has rarely spoken about his Welsh roots but he grew up in Sussex with a Welsh mum before moving to Sheffield to attend university.

Other stars have also praised Michael's fiery speech with former Welsh football captain Ashely Williams saying: "He sent us many of these in 2016 what an inspiration." Welsh athlete Iwan Thomas and Welsh football Aaron Ramsey both hailed the speech - which you can click on below - as "amazing".

Former Welsh netball international player Kyra Jones retweeted Michael's speech with the caption: "What it means to be Welsh" followed by a Welsh flag emoji. Olympic icon-turned-broadcaster Michael Johnson, one of the biggest sporting names on the planet, has been left inspired by Sheen's delivery - despite not having a clue who he is or what he is saying.

He wrote: "I have no idea what this is or who he is. Some of it I have no idea what he’s even saying. But this sounds awesome!"

Dan underwent a huge career change in 2022 when he stopped presenting BBC Breakfast after 15 years and moved to Channel 5. So far Dan has shot to success on Channel 5 and now also has his own show on the channel, as well as presenting the news.

Dan announced the news he was leaving the BBC in April 2022. He said: "I'm really excited but this has also been a massive decision for me because I love BBC Breakfast. I love working alongside Sally and I love the team there. But Channel 5 came with big ambitions, with big plans and I don't think opportunities like this come around very often and I can't wait."

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