Fans think they have worked out Rylan Clark's next job after he announced he was stepping back from his role on Strictly Come Dancing's weeknight spin-off after four years. The BBC confirmed on Wednesday (April 11) that the TV and radio star would no longer be hosting the dance contest's BBC2 show, Strictly: It Takes Two.
In his own message, Rylan, 34, said he is stepping down from presenting the show, which he started hosting in 2019 alongside Zoe Ball before Janette Manrara became his new co-shot, to "pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me".
In a statement on Instagram, the former X Factor star and Celebrity Big Brother winner wrote: "I’ve had the best time hosting the show alongside Janette and Zoe and I can’t thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show. I’ve been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me.
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"The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me." He movingly concluded his message: "Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart… and dancing feet."
The BBC said the series will announce a new presenter in due course. Kate Phillips, director of unscripted at the BBC, said she wanted to thank Clark on behalf of fans for “entertaining audiences so brilliantly for the past four years”. She added: "Rylan’s infectious personality, his stand-out sass and his genuine love for all the glitz and glamour of the ballroom have been a big part of It Takes Two’s continued success.
"Rylan will always be part of the Strictly family of course, but I know he’ll be hugely missed by all the Strictly It Takes Two viewers, Janette and everyone else who works on the show." After the statement was posted to social media, Rylan typed in response on Twitter: "Love yas."
Strictly 2022 contestant Richie Anderson was among the first to respond to Rylan's own announcement on Instagram, writing: "Rylan you’re a legend! Loved coming to see you on ITT always made it so fun." Rylan's 'TV mum' Ruth Langsford also said: "Won’t be the same without you." Host Claudia Winkleman replied: "WE LOVE YOU. And we’ll miss you so so much," while co-star Tess Daly echoed: "We love you so much!!"
TV presenter AJ Odudu commented: "Take a bow darling, you've been fabulous." Former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison posted: "You'll be missed petal." Steps singer Faye Tozer typed: "Noooo! Well those 4 years flew!! Love you @rylan (hope to see you on the dance floor!)." His 'TV dad' Eamonn Holmes added: "Bet u r becoming a Contestant!!"
And singer Faye and former This Morning host Eamonn wasn't the only one to think that Rylan should wear his dancing shoes and take to the ballroom himself. @lisajanewillows said: "That's a shame. But You could be a contestant now." @greenymo posted: "Oh no. Hope this means you are being a contestant this year."
@kirstf90 wrote: "Now you can be on it as a dancer." @paddy_barks asked: "Does that mean you are dancing Rylan? Hope so." Jayne Norris Janaway wrote on Facebook: "Give him a celeb partner so he can dazzle on a Saturday night." Lainey P Paterson added: "Love him, I wonder if he’s going to be on the next strictly as a contestant, I think he would be fab."
But others think that him stepping back from It Takes Two means he's making room in his working diary to be the host of Big Brother which is being rebooted by ITV. Former The Circle contestant Freddie Bentley commented: "Making room for big brother," alongside the eyes emoji. @erinterezetighe said: "I'm gonna predict he's the new host of big brother.. has to be him."
@jamieleemorley commented: "I sense the new host of big brother?" @mradj089 asked: "Does this mean Big Brother?" @1973wrightstuff shared: "Now you’re either taking part this year OR presenting Big Brother!! I’m sure we’ll know soon." @lesley_b2207 added: "Awww, won't be the same without Rylan. And I hope he is now going on to Big Brother as main host."
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