Rylan Clark confirmed Friday marked his final day standing in as a presenter for This Morning during the summer holidays
Rylan Clark addresses future on This Morning after backlash over immigration comments(Image: ITV)
Rylan Clark has revealed that Friday was his last day filling in as a host for This Morning throughout the summer break. This comes after he encountered intense backlash over his comments regarding immigration leading him to issue a public statement.
The TV stars have been covering for Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard during the summer holidays alongside other celebrities including Joel Dommett, Emma Willis, Olivia Attwood, and Dermot O’Leary. Opening Friday’s ITV daytime programme with Josie Gibson, Rylan declared: “Last day today!”
“What a week,” Josie replied. This Morning airs on weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
Similar to Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard covering for Lorraine Kelly on her show, and presenters like Charlotte Hawkins and Kate Garraway substituting for Susanna Reid, Rylan and Josie were among the well-known personalities to front This Morning, taking charge this week, reports the Mirror. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
However a discussion about immigration, while demonstrations were occurring nationwide regarding the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers, gathered some attention and sparked some controversy among viewers.
Throughout a conversation about the mass removal proposals put forward by Nigel Farage, who stated 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 celebrity acknowledged that while immigration has been a fundamental element of this nation’s heritage, culture, and societal development, and how immigrant doctors assisted in saving his mother’s life, he believes there must be measures to prevent small boats from crossing the Channel.
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 that 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 widespread criticism though he subsequently reinforced his position in an Instagram statement responding to the furore, which stated: “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.”
While numerous supporters responded claiming he was “spreading misinformation” and expressed their “disappointment” regarding his stance on the issue others rallied behind Rylan including his colleagues Josie and Rob Rinder, who posted messages of solidarity on his statement.
Rylan, who triumphed in Celebrity Big Brother in 2013, began working on This Morning shortly afterwards and frequently features on the programme alongside presenters such as Ruth Langsford and Alison Hammond.
During a discussion with Metro last year the celebrity reflected on his public image and the aspects of his personality he maintains privately.
When questioned whether the Rylan that audiences recognise represents a character or his authentic self he responded: “I think that is the real me. There’s elements of the real me definitely. But I think as time has gone on I’ve sort of started to realise that I can keep some of me for myself and whoever I’m with.
“So, yeah, Rylan at work is Rylan 2.0 – it’s a little bit more higher-pitch voice… whereas in real life, pretty much wearing grey jogging bottoms, drinking a Peroni… very different. You know, there are some days where I’m sat here with no tan on and I’m just sitting here normally, like, it’s lovely.
“But at the end of the day I sort of made a face and person, in a weird way, and that’s what people expect. So you’ve got to give it to them. If I walk out with no f**king makeup on people will think I’m dead.”