TV host Dan Walker will shrug off any criticism from Strictly judges because of his faith.
The BBC Breakfast host says he has developed the skin of a rhino and never minds what people say about him.
Dan, 44, is gearing up for the celebrity dance challenge and has vowed to do all he can to impress the show’s tough judges.
The devout Christian, who recently took on internet criticism, said he can handle barbs. He said: “I never mind what people write or say about me.
“That’s because, as a Christian, I don’t take my value from what people think about me.”
Speaking on The Profile podcast, he added: “I know I can’t control all those things, hurtful or hateful, whatever they might be, that people say about me or my family, or about my faith. And I’m thankful that I’ve developed the skin of a rhino.”
Last week, Dan was accused of being “nasty and unpleasant” when grilling Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab over taking a holiday in Greece amid the Afghanistan crisis.
But the former Football Focus host hit back, insisting he was only doing his job. He said: “I simply asked the Foreign Secretary for facts. If that is ‘nasty’ and ‘unpleasant’ then I’m not sure you’ve watched enough telly.”
Dan, a father of three, is one of 15 contestants on Strictly Come Dancing this year, with the
series expected to kick off on BBC1 next month.
Among his rivals are Adam Peaty, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Ugo Monye and Robert Webb.
Dan recently told how his three children had previously begged him to appear on Strictly.
After signing up for this year's run of the Latin and ballroom show, he said: "My kids have only asked me to go on two shows - Saturday Mash-Up! and Strictly. I did Saturday Mash-Up! so it’s time to embrace the sequins."
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