Rylan Clark has confirmed that today is his last day covering as a presenter for This Morning over the summer break.
Rylan Clark addresses future on This Morning after backlash over immigration comments(Image: ITV)
Rylan Clark has announced that today (Friday 29 August) marks his final day standing in as a presenter for This Morning during the summer holidays.
This follows him facing significant criticism for his remarks about immigration, prompting him to release a public statement afterwards.
Launching today’s ITV daytime show alongside Josie Gibson, Rylan declared: “Last day today!”
“What a week,” Josie responded.
The television personalities have been filling in for Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard throughout the summer break, working alongside presenters including Joel Dommett, Emma Willis, Olivia Attwood and Dermot O’Leary, reports the Express.
Similar to Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard covering for Lorraine Kelly on her show, and presenters like Charlotte Hawkins and Kate Garraway filling in for Susanna Reid, Rylan and Josie were amongst the well-known personalities hosting This Morning during their stint this week.
Rylan Clark and Josie Gibson hosted Friday’s This Morning(Image: ITV)
However, their appearance on the programme became mired in controversy following a heated discussion about immigration, occurring alongside demonstrations happening throughout the UK regarding the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers.
During a conversation about the mass removal proposals put forward by Nigel Farage – who claimed he would expel hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants over five years should he gain power – Rylan shared his personal views on immigration.
The former X Factor contestant explained that whilst immigration has been fundamental to this nation’s heritage, culture and societal development, and how immigrant doctors helped save his mother’s life, he believes there must be measures to prevent small boats from crossing the Channel.
Rylan’s comments on immigration caused a divide amongst viewers(Image: ITV)
He stated: “[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. They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.”
He continued: “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.”
Rylan proceeded to allege asylum seekers receive an iPad, stating: “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.”
He added: “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.”
His remarks sparked fierce criticism, though he subsequently stood firm in an Instagram statement addressing the furore, which declared: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes.
“You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. The list continues.
“Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.”
This Morning broadcasts on weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.