There is no place like Sheffield for journalist, newsreader and presenter Dan Walker. Here, he talks to Emma Chesworth about life in the city, his new ‘job’ as official cake tester and life lessons from Strictly Come Dancing
There is something in the air that makes Sheffield feel like home for Dan Walker. The journalist, presenter and author is a familiar face and voice in homes across the country as he graces our televisions and radios from Land’s End to John o’ Groats. But it is in Yorkshire where he is at his happiest.
‘Without sounding too weird – I like the smell of Sheffield,’ says Dan. ‘Yorkshire air is just different to any where else.’
Sheffield first became home to the Channel 5 news anchor and Classic FM breakfast show presenter back in the 1990s when he followed in his sister’s footsteps and studied at Sheffield University. And the city has kept his heart ever since.
‘I studied for four years, first a history degree and then a postgraduate course in journalism. I then stayed in Sheffield for a couple more years, while working in Manchester, before moving to Manchester, then Liverpool and then London. My wife, who is from Sheffield, had always said she wouldn’t marry me if I made her live in London. Well, we did end up living in London for six years before making the move back to Sheffield.
‘Even now, I love the train journey back up north after working in London during the week. I get to chat to lovely people and everyone is always happy to be going back to Sheffield. It’s a great place to live and all the family love living here.’
Family is Dan’s wife, Sarah, and their three children, Susie, Jessica and Joe, along with much-loved cockapoo Winnie. With roots firmly in the city, Dan and Sarah recently bought into an independent coffee shop in the Fulwood area. They are now part-owners of Brook Coffee Rooms and it is something of a dream for the TV and radio star.
‘A coffee shop is one of those things that many people want to own or be involved in. I never thought it would happen but when our friends who owned it asked us to get on board we were delighted. I already frequent coffee shops far too often. It has been really lovely. It is doing well and I just see myself as a glorified cake tester.’
Away from the hustle and bustle of the coffee shop, Dan has made a household name for himself having presented on BBC Breakfast, Radio 5 Live and Football Focus. He now presents 5 News on Channel 5 and each weekday, from 6.30am to 10am, he can be found behind the microphone presenting Classic FM Breakfast with Dan Walker. The opportunity arose earlier this year and he couldn’t turn it down.
‘There are some things you just can’t say no to,’ explains Dan. ‘I have always loved music and am one
