Former BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker has revealed that he feels "embarrassed by the amount I earn" by doing a job that he loves.
The 45-year-old is set to start the next chapter of his career after making the decision to leave BBC Breakfast to be the new anchor for Channel 5 News.
Dan was 18th on the BBC's highest-paid list, which was revealed last July, with a salary of between £295,000 and £295,999. This was for his presenting roles on the Breakfast Show and Football Focus - a role he left in April 2021 after 12 years.
Despite the lofty salary, he admitted he "hates" talking about money and that having the information put out to the public is "awful".
"I hate talking about money. I feel uncomfortable that I get paid a lot to do a job I love," he told the Daily Mail's Weekend magazine.
"I remember the first day a national newspaper published what I earned on the front page. That was awful."
Dan shocked his followers in April when he announced he would be leaving BBC Breakfast after six years on the red sofa.
He is set to be in line for a huge pay rise at Channel 5 News, with reports suggesting of a salary of up to £500,000, but he opened up about his humble upbringing and how some members of his family are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
He added: "I am embarrassed by the amount I earn. My parents had no money growing up. All my clothes were hand-me-downs.
"At a time when people are struggling to put food on the table, it's horrible to have your salary on the front page.
"I'm aware even people in my family are finding it hard to budget for three meals a day right now, getting to the end of the month and it's beans on toast again. I understand that's a real heartache. I've been there."
He was reunited with former co-presenter Louise Minchin on his final ever BBC Breakfast shift on May 17 as Sally Nugent, who replaced Louise to sit alongside Dan since late 2021, provided a host of surprises as he bade farewell.
A "best bits" montage was introduced to the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, who had sweet messages from professional dance partner Nadiya Bychkova and head judge Shirley Ballas.
They then flashed back to Dan’s now-iconic interview during the Rio Olympics in 2016 with a raucous hen party, and bride-to-be Maria - who is now married with a child - made a surprise appearance on the show.
More tributes came from his other presenting duties on the broadcaster such as The NFL Show, Football Focus, Final Score and Match of the Day.
Dan starts his new role with Channel 5 News on Monday June 6 with his first show starting at 6pm.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
