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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Rylan Clark told it's 'not sad' as he enjoys single life after major career boost

Rylan Clark has been embracing his new single life and his latest update once again saw fans showing their support. The BBC Radio 2 host split from husband Dan Neal last year after six years in 2021. The news emerged amid what ended up being a four-month break from the spotlight for Rylan.

The pair met on Big Brother's Bit on the Side - which Rylan was hosting - in 2015 and hey became engaged the following year. Rylan and Dan, an ex-Met Police detective, walked down the aisle in 2016 and kept their relationship away from the public eye. But fans became concerned when Rylan mysteriously disappeared from his work commitments.

It was later confirmed that his marriage was over and he has since opened up about his struggles during that period, saying in one interview: "I’d got to the point where I didn’t know if I wanted to come back."

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But Rylan, 34, has since been embracing his life without a partner. Over the summer, Rylan left fans in awe as he shared that he had been on his first-ever solo holiday. The TV star jetted off to Barcelona for the important break as he said he needed to learn how "to be comfortable with my own company". He shared the proud achievement on Instagram with a video showing highlight from his city break as he admitted he was "nervous" to go on holiday alone.

But he's been at it again. Rylan took to Instagram last month to ask his followers to choose between two locations and Milan came out as the winner. On Friday (November 4), the presenter shared a snap on Twitter from a plane and wrote: "Cheers Milano….. now Strictly…" He also shared another reel to Instagram with a snapshot into his trip, writing: "Second solo trip… 48 hours in Milano."

The night before, on Thursday (November 3), Rylan tweeted: "There’s something a bit sad, but more validating saying - 'table for one please.'" He then shared a snap of his surroundings, showing him dining in a plush restaurant with a glass of red wine. But his followers were quick to say it 'isn't sad' and applauded him for going it alone.

@Charlottesayshi said: "Nothing sad about it! Hope you’re having an amazing time." @AlexJCall commented: "Some lovely alone time, and a nice meal you didn’t have to cook. It doesn’t get much better." @StacyMoo83 replied: "It wreaks confidence... I've had to do that a few times, felt awkward at first, but weirdly liberating. Takes a strong person to do it in my opinion, go u!"

@marilyn_2472 posted: "Uhm Rylan....bid sad? No way!! Strong! (Experience; alone at the table was sometimes more fun than other diners had together..sitting across from each other, saying nothing and quietly working the food down)." @mandapen added: "You’re the fabulous, mysterious lone diner. All eyes admire your cool confidence. Enjoy your meal, champ."

Rylan's solo trip comes after he recieved some career-boosting news. The TV and radio host shared how his BBCR2 show, Rylan on Saturday, had more than two million listeners. Alongside a graphic featuring a snap of himself and the new stats, Rylan wrote: " Thanks a (2.5) Mil."

EastEnders legend Natalie Cassidy was among the first to respond, writing in the comments: "ABSOLUTELY and I’m one of them." Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly replied: "We [heart] you honey," while his 'telly mum' Ruth Langsford simply commented with a string of clapping emojis.

And fans too thought it was well-deserved. @paulinepurps said: "Well deserved my lovely.. You are tonic every Saturday.. I don't miss a show if I do listen to it On BBC Sounds.. Love you." @charlottie.adams wrote: "It's the best show on radio 2! You always make me smile!" @gaynorwatson added: "Saturday afternoon’s are the best day of the week."

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