Riddle over Rylan Clark-Neal’s seven-week radio silence and absence from social media prompts concern for his welfare among fans
- Rylan’s last appearance on his Saturday afternoon Radio 2 show was on May 8, but station bosses have been unable to give any confirmed date for his return
Radio host Rylan Clark-Neal’s mystery seven-week absence from the airwaves has prompted concerns among fans for his welfare.
The presenter’s last appearance on his Saturday afternoon Radio 2 show was on May 8, but station bosses have been unable to give any confirmed date for the star’s return.
Millions of loyal listeners have tuned in at 3pm each week to discover that the former X Factor contestant had been replaced by stand-in presenters, including Strictly dancer Oti Mabuse and TV star Vernon Kay.
The presenter’s last appearance on his Saturday afternoon Radio 2 show was on May 8, but station bosses have been unable to give any confirmed date for the star’s return (file photo)
Anxiety among his fans increased further following Mr Clark-Neal’s withdrawal from social media. Usually a regular user, the star has not tweeted since April 10 or posted on Instagram since May 9.
The 32-year-old, who shot to fame on The X Factor in 2012, also pulled out of hosting the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest on May 18 and he and his mother, Linda, have not taken part in Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox – although he has explained that her battle with Crohn’s disease had forced them to pull out.
Sources said the star was left ‘distraught’ following the death of his close friend Nikki Grahame, the Big Brother contestant who died in April following a battle with anorexia.
Mr Clark-Neal’s representatives did not respond to inquiries from The Mail on Sunday when asked his whereabouts – and even colleagues at Radio 2 said they had not been told why he was absent.
The 32-year-old, who shot to fame on The X Factor in 2012, also pulled out of hosting the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest on May 18 and he and his mother, Linda, have not taken part in Channel 4’s Celebrity Gogglebox – although he has explained that her battle with Crohn’s disease had forced them to pull out
Fans have taken to Twitter to share their concerns, with one saying last week: ‘Missing you very much on Radio 2 Rylan, sincerely hope you are okay and hope to hear you back on the radio soon.’ Another wrote: ‘Missing you Rylan x my favourite radio 2 presenter x get well soon Saturday afternoon is not the same without you x.’
A third told The Mail on Sunday: ‘We haven’t heard from him for weeks, it is a mystery. We just want to know what is the matter with him and that he is okay.’
Mr Clark-Neal has become one of the busiest men in showbusiness after rebranding himself as a television and radio presenter following his stint on The X Factor, where he was considered the ‘joke’ act and finished fifth.
He has hosted ITV’s This Morning and replaced the late Dale Winton when the channel brought back the gameshow Supermarket Sweep.
Two years ago, he joined Zoe Ball as co-presenter of the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two. He is now due to work alongside former professional dancer Janette Manrara on the show after Miss Ball stood down earlier this year.
The BBC said in a statement: ‘Unfortunately Rylan is unwell so won’t be providing commentary for the upcoming Eurovision Semi Finals on BBC Four, however Eurovision superfan Sara Cox will be joining Scott Mills and Chelcee Grimes live in London bringing viewers all the action from the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam tonight & later this week.’
They added Rylan’s illness isn’t COVID-related. MailOnline has contacted Rylan’s representatives for comment.
Rylan, who joined the presenting team in 2018, had previously spoken about how excited he was for Eurovision 2021.
He said: ‘There was a big Eurovision shaped hole in my life last year, so I am super excited to see what everyone brings to the table for 2021 – it’s the best time of the year.
‘I am looking forward to being reunited with Scott for the semi-finals and to welcome Chelcee to the team. Plus Embers is an absolute tune – I can’t wait.’