Rylan Clark made a light-hearted reference to being “cancelled for the second time in a year” after accidentally swearing during a pantomime performance in Southend. The 37-year-old broadcaster was playing the Fairy Godfather in Cinderella at Southend Cliffs Pavilion on Sunday night when he slipped up in front of a family audience.
According to the Daily Mail, Clark, appearing alongside Strictly Come Dancing’s Ross King, promptly joked that the mistake might lead to his second cancellation within 12 months. He continued the show, singing and dancing, including a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
The joke alludes to a controversy in August, when Clark’s comments on illegal immigration during This Morning drew 702 complaints to Ofcom. In a heated discussion about Nigel Farage’s deportation proposals, Clark criticised Channel crossings, saying “it feels like, ‘Welcome, come on in’” with iPads and hotel rooms, while noting that legal immigrants contribute to the NHS and economy.
After viewers accused him of spreading misinformation, Clark defended his stance on Instagram, stating: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes.” He received backing from figures including Ronan Keating and Susanna Reid. Despite the backlash, Clark confirmed he would return to TV with a Sky History project, Witches of Essex, in September.
