Dan Walker Accused Of Turning BBC Breakfast’s Sofa ‘Sexist’ By Choosing To Sit ‘Camera Left’

His Christian faith teaches him those who sit at the right hand of the Lord are blessed.

And Dan Walker, 48, has been accused of sexism by choosing to sit in the ‘camera left’ position for his new role as BBC Breakfast host.

The devout churchgoer, below, took the same spot as his predecessor Bill Turnbull, who left the show after 15 years.

It is traditionally viewed in the TV industry as a position of seniority.

Walker’s co-host Louise Minchin, 47, has been on the BBC Breakfast sofa for more than 10 years, worked on The One Show and presented on the BBC News Channel – yet she is in the traditionally ‘inferior’ position.

Disgruntled viewers have now spoken of their anger at what they believe is a macho snub to Minchin.

In a letter to the Radio Times, Adele Clarke from Cheshire wrote: ‘I was annoyed to see “new boy” Dan Walker seated on the left, in Bill Turnbull’s own place, while far more experienced news presenter Louise Minchin remained in the “number two” position on the right.

‘How long will it take the BBC (and most other news stations) to catch up with the rest of us in the 21st century? Be brave – try seating a woman on the left and see how the world will keep turning.’

Walker with Lousie Minchin – on his left – at an industry award do.

A spokesman for the BBC dismissed the accusation and said there was no pecking order on the Breakfast sofa.

He insisted: “There is no seniority in terms of who sits where on the sofa. It’s all about judging which is the best camera angle for the presenters.”

Walker, who is more famous for presenting Football Focus, joins Minchin from Monday to Wednesday.

He revealed before taking on the new role that he never works on Sundays due to his Christian faith.

Bill Turnbull once sat in the ‘senior’ camera left spot.

As a youngster he dreamed of being a professional footballer but turned down invitations from the youth teams of major clubs because they played their matches on Sundays.

When he became a TV presenter, fronting sporting events and BBC1’s Football Focus, he struck a deal with bosses he’d never have to work on the Sabbath.

The son of a Baptist preacher said in a 2010 interview: “'Observing the Lord’s Day is a great privilege and brings with it loads of blessings.”

All pictures Getty Images