In a startlingly candid and emotional new interview, television stalwart Rylan Clark has revealed the depths of his personal struggle following his painful divorce, admitting he completely lost his sense of self and endured a severe mental health crisis.
The BBC Radio 2 host, 35, spoke openly with Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones on the presenter's own podcast, How To Be. He described the aftermath of his split from husband Dan Neal as a period where he felt he was merely performing a version of himself for the public, rather than truly living.
'I genuinely wasn't me anymore,' Rylan confessed, reflecting on the most challenging chapter of his life. 'I was just existing as this character I thought people wanted to see.'
His journey through the world of celebrity began over a decade ago on The X Factor, a experience he now credits with hardening him to public scrutiny but also warping his perception of reality. The intense fame, he revealed, created a persona that eventually eclipsed his true identity.
The breakdown of his six-year marriage in 2021 acted as the catalyst for a complete personal unravelling. Clark was signed off work for five months by his doctor, a period he describes as essential for his recovery and rediscovery.
'I had to step back to find out who I actually was,' he stated, emphasising the importance of prioritising his wellbeing over his career during that time.
Now, on the other side of that darkness, Rylan speaks with hard-won wisdom. His powerful story serves as a poignant reminder of the very real human being behind the glamorous celebrity facade and the critical importance of mental health, even in the glittering world of showbusiness.
