Rylan Clark Clarifies His Ongoing Role on ITV's This Morning Programme
Television presenter Rylan Clark has provided a candid reflection on his long-standing association with the popular ITV daytime show This Morning, firmly dispelling any notions of a permanent departure from the programme. The broadcaster, who first joined the series in 2013 following his rise to prominence on The X Factor, has maintained a recurring presence on the show over the past decade, with his most recent appearances occurring during the Easter holiday period alongside co-host Emma Willis.
Flexible Scheduling and Occasional Appearances Explained
When questioned about his extended six-month absence from the programme earlier this year, the 37-year-old presenter clarified his current arrangement with the production team. "I mean I'm back, I sort of go on whenever I can to be honest," Clark explained during a recent interview. "I was in the Maldives in January and then I come back and did one day, because I could only do a day that week. Then [I did] three days over Easter."
He elaborated further on his evolving relationship with the show, noting: "I did This Morning for so long and I loved it, like every single day, and then I sort of left for a while and now it's nice to just pop back in. [I] do like one day here, two days there, maybe even a week if I've got the time." This flexible approach allows Clark to balance his television commitments with other professional projects and personal engagements.
Positive Remarks About Co-Host Ben Shephard
During an appearance on the Tea with Nan podcast, Clark also shared his perspective on fellow presenter Ben Shephard, who currently anchors the show four days weekly alongside Cat Deeley. "Ben is lovely. He’s a lovely boy," Clark remarked warmly, before humorously noting Shephard's geographical origins in Romford, Essex. These comments highlight the collegial atmosphere among the presenting team despite their varying schedules and commitments to the programme.
Immigration Comments That Sparked Significant Controversy
The discussion about Clark's role on This Morning comes in the wake of considerable controversy surrounding comments he made during a news segment addressing immigration policy. While discussing mass deportation proposals put forward by political figure Nigel Farage, Clark offered his personal perspective on the complex issue.
"The UK is built on immigration. Legal immigration - a lot of the nurses, the doctors that have saved my mum’s life, have come over here from other countries," Clark stated during the broadcast. "They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive."
He continued with a critical assessment of current immigration narratives: "I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel. And when they get here, it does seem, and I think this is why a lot of Labour voters as well are saying there’s something wrong, it feels like, 'Welcome, come on in'. That’s the narrative we’re being fed. Here’s the iPad. Here’s the NHS in reception of your hotel. Here’s three meals a day. Here’s a games room in the hotel. Have a lovely time and welcome."
Clark further contrasted this perception with domestic challenges: "There are people that have lived here all their lives that are struggling. They’re homeless. Let’s not even discuss our homeless. There are people living on the streets, veterans, all of this."
Ofcom Complaints and Professional Repercussions
These remarks prompted a substantial 702 complaints to broadcasting regulator Ofcom, with numerous viewers calling for Clark's removal from the programme. Despite this significant backlash, the controversy did not ultimately jeopardise his position on This Morning, and he returned to the show in February following his extended break, co-hosting alongside Emma Willis as previously scheduled.
Diverse Professional Portfolio Beyond This Morning
Beyond his television work on the ITV daytime programme, Clark maintains a diverse professional portfolio that includes hosting a Saturday afternoon show on BBC Radio 2, presenting the dating series Dating Naked UK, and co-hosting the travel programme Rob and Rylan’s Passage to India alongside Robert Rinder. This varied workload contributes to his flexible scheduling with This Morning and demonstrates his continued prominence within British broadcasting.
This Morning continues to air weekdays from 10am on ITV and the streaming service ITVX, featuring a rotating roster of presenters including Clark during his periodic appearances on the long-running programme.
