Rylan Clark has announced he is taking a break from his radio show, just as he becomes one of the favourites to take over Phillip Schofield on This Morning. The TV and radio star is no stranger to the ITV daytime show having spent a significant time at the helm.
However, he suddenly stopped appearing on the programme before making an appearance as a guest alongside his mum, Linda, in June last year. Rylan then made another return as host a few weeks later, joining former This Morning presenter Ruth Langsford at the helm for a week.
But following the news Phillip is 'stepping back' from the programme, Rylan's name has been put in the ring as a replacement. The news about Phillip's exit was announced on Saturday (May 20) with the 61-year-old saying he was leaving to "protect the show I love".
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The “silver fox” has enjoyed a longer small-screen shelf-life than many other presenters, thanks in part to his chemistry with Holly Willoughby. As well as co-hosting This Morning, the pair also fronted Dancing On Ice.
Phillip's statement said: "I have always been proud to cover fascinating stories on This Morning. But recently, This Morning itself has become the story.
"Throughout my career in TV – including the very difficult last few days – I have always done my best to be honourable and kind. I understand that ITV has decided the current situation can’t go on, and I want to do what I can to protect the show that I love.
"So I have agreed to step down from This Morning with immediate effect, in the hope that the show can move forward to a bright future. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me – especially This Morning’s amazing viewers – and I’ll see you all for the Soap Awards next month."
Meanwhile, over at BBC Radio 2, Rylan was telling his listeners that he'll be taking a break from the airwaves. The 34-year-old, who hosts his own show every Saturday from 3 until 6pm said: "This is where I should say ladies I won't be catching up with you next week.
"Because I am off to do some other bits and bobs so I'm not going to be here for a fair few weeks." He added: "I just want to say whoever is looking after this seat for a fair few weeks can you please make sure you look after Couch Potatoes."
Alison Hammond is the favourite to replace Phillip on This Morning, according to the latest odds from Ladbrokes. The show's Friday host leads the betting at 2/1 to become Holly's new co-host.
But fan favourite Rylan is close behind at 3/1 with Dermot O'Leary at 4/1. It was also announced last month that Rylan was quitting as a presenter of Strictly Come Dancing’s spin-off show It Takes Two.
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