The ‘dad dancing’ police officer who warmed the hearts of a nation when he entertained a group little kids at One Love Manchester has spoken out.
PC Paul Taylor was one of around 50 Durham Police officers sent to assist Greater Manchester Police at the benefit concert, organised by Ariana Grande. Little did he know his actions that night would not only serve to keep people safe and reassured, but would also symbolise the spirit of unity with which Manchester has so defiantly responded to terror.
Paul and his two young dancing partners today spoke to Holly and Phil on This Morning, which you can watch below:
Unbeknown to him, PC Taylor was filmed holding hands and dancing with a group of young music fans as Justin Bieber performed at One Love – and although his colleagues have been taking the piss out of his dancing, the dad-of-two said he’s proud to have been part of that wonderful moment.
Speaking at Durham Police HQ, Paul said:
I wouldn’t describe myself as the best dancer in the world but I was more than happy to oblige. If it makes people feel happy and has put a smile on people’s faces that can only be a good thing, especially after what is going on in the last few weeks.
Let’s say I was more than happy to do it. It shows that the police have a human side. I have two boys, albeit grown up. I’m a family man. Bearing in mind what’s gone on the last few weeks I’m quite proud of it now, to be honest. We do care about what we do. We are happy to help people. That’s what we’re there for and I’m pleased I did it.
Taylor recalled his reaction to the public’s response, adding:
It’s been amazing, to be honest. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my 20 years with the police. I’ve had a few phone calls, even a text off my son who is in Tenerife who said ‘Is that you?’
Paul said several tearful and apprehensive girls who had been at the original Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, where 22 people were killed, had approached him at the One Love benefit gig. Once he reassured them his job was to keep them safe, they asked for a photograph and a dance, thus this beautiful moment between strangers was born.
One Love Manchester raised £2 million for the fund, which was set up to raise money for the victims and their families.
Click here to donate to One Love Manchester.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.