TV presenter Dan Walker says he has been inspired by life advice from Sir Alex Ferguson as he moves to Channel 5.
The BBC Breakfast host said the football legend, 80, urged him to embrace the “next challenge” after they met up at the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree last week.
Dan, 45, said: “I’ve had a long chat with Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s the first time I’ve seen him for a while and he looks very well.
“He’s given me career advice, which was lovely. He was talking about the move to Channel 5 and talking about life and accepting the next challenge. When he was moving to clubs, St Mirren, Aberdeen and all those sorts of things, it’s good to get advice from good people around you.”
The TV star, who has hosted BBC Breakfast since 2016, announced last week he is joining 5 News, and replacing Sian Williams.
His is the latest high-profile departure from the BBC including Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis, former North American editor Jon Sopel and veteran political interviewer Andrew Marr.
Dan added of Fergie: “I’ve known him for a long time. I’ve done all his book launches, I used to interview him every week when I worked in Manchester. When somebody who has had his fair share of challenges says to you, ‘Just go out there and do it, embrace it,’ that’s quite nice.”
When asked what the reaction has been to his decision, he said: “It’s been lovely, apart from [co-host] Sally [Nugent], who is a bit upset.”
Asked who might replace him, he said: “I have no idea. I don’t know my leaving date.”
The 2020/2021 BBC annual report listed his salary as £295,000-£299,999, with commitments listed as Football Focus, which he has since left.
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