The BBC Breakfast host, 44, performed the Viennese waltz with his professional dance partner Nadiya Bychkova. The song chosen for the performance was Billy Joel’s hit She’s Always A Woman and Dan said it was the perfect tribute to the love of his life Sarah.
Whilst Sarah was standing in the audience applauding his performance, Dan told viewers, “”She’s one of the people who the more you know her, the more you love her and I have known her and loved her for over half my life.
“She is amazing, she is such special person, I love her to bits.”
Dan and Sarah have been married for 20 years and have three children together – two daughters and one son. Before he took to the floor, Dan said: “I’m thinking a lot about the words of the song”.
“I know he’s one of my wife’s favourites so I’m just thinking about this.And when my wife came along to training with the kids I could see on her face how much she loved it.
“When we danced it she was like ‘That’s beautiful’ and that’s what has inspired me.”
The judges were keen to boost Dan’s confidence last night and gave him 28 points out of 40. This was his highest score of the competition so far.
Shirley Ballas, who is head judge, told him: “I would like just a little bit more belief in yourself. You are turning into quite the dancer.”
It is no secret that the BBC hit dance show has been plagued by the so called “Strictly curse” which consists of romances blossoming between professional dancers and celebrity contestants.
Last weekend caused some controversy after a near kiss between Adam Peaty and professional Katya Jones. This prompted Sarah to give Dan a list of rules but the family man said it wasn’t needed.
“We love Strictly and as a family we watch it and I’ve never had THAT conversation with my wife and I don’t think I’ll need to,” he said.
“Nadiya and I have a really strong friendship and we get on really well and I’ve learnt an awful lot from her.”
Dan added: “Nadiya has come around for dinner a few times, we’ve been out together as a family as well.
“I want my kids to enjoy it as much as I’m enjoying it and be part of it and the same for my wife.”