Rylan Clark cried as his TV 'mum and dad' Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford paid tribute to him with a sweet message.
The TV star has been open about how he was 'in and out of' a mental health hospital, where he was treated for depression, last year following his split from ex-husband Dan Neal. Rylan had previously explained how seeing Eamonn's heartbroken response to his depression gave him the 'wake up call' he needed to try and get back to his best.
As he appeared on ITV's Lorraine today, Christine Lampard - who was stepping in for the missing Lorraine Kelly - treated Rylan to a big surprise - a sweet video message from those he had crossed paths with over the years.
Opening the video montage of tributes was missing host Lorraine Kelly, who said "here to the next 10 years and beyond", as she offered her congratulations to the former X Factor star.
Next up was Rylan's mentor on the ITV talent show, who said: "I'm so proud of you and everything you've achieved over the past 10 years. Where does the time go seriously? I think you're on every show in this country and rightly as you should be." Ruth was next and had a sweet message for the star. "Just wanted to say that Eamonn - dad and I - are so proud of you."
Claire Richards then chimed in: "Congratulations on your 10 years, it's not 25 [like Steps just celebrated] but who's counting?" Rylan's Strictly: It Takes Two co-host Janette Manrara had a sweet message, as she shared: "Huge huge congratulations on your book, I can barely put it down. But I'm so proud of you."
The video montage was ended by his fellow X Factor star Ella Henderson, who dubbed Rylan her big brother. "Rylan, my big brother, I love you so so much and I'm so so proud of you. You've come such a long way."
As it returned to the studio, Rylan wiped away a tear as he admitted: "I've not cried in one interview yet. You're all out of order." His voice appeared to crack as he added: "it's all so lovely. If you treat people right, they stick with you."
It comes after Rylan admitted Eamonn's pained response to his breakdown gave him the inspiration to get better.
Writing in his book Ten - The Decade That Changed My Life, Rylan says seeing Eamonn's response to his illness gave him the inspiration he need to 'try and feel normal again.'
He writes: "I remember how their faces looked when they saw me, seeing how badly ill I was, and then Eamonn became very upset. I’d never seen Eamonn get upset like that before, and that was like a wake-up call.
"I remember thinking, ‘Do I look that ill? Am I that bad?’ It was just awful. They stayed with me all that day."
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
