Born in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Dale is the son of actress Shelley Winton. He attended Aldenham Public School, Hertfordshire. Dale used to be a DJ with Nottingham based Radio Sation Radio Trent.

He is currently well known for presenting the National Lottery show and until August 2004 also presented Pick of the Pops on BBC Radio 2.

He never officially came out, or publicly addressed his sexuality in any way, until writing about it in his autobiography. Some would say this is due to a fear of damaging his career. In an interview with Richard & Judy however, he made it clear that he wasn't sure for a long time, and felt it to be of a very personal nature.