Rylan Clark has carved a niche for himself as a versatile television personality. Raised in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, by his mother Linda Clark and older brother Jamie, Rylan's early career was far removed from the glitz of television, working for Optical Express in Lakeside Shopping Centre. He dabbled in part-time modelling from the age of 16 and adopted the stage name "Rylan" during this time. His journey to fame had its share of setbacks, including a missed opportunity to join Big Brother 8 in 2007 due to a press leak. Rylan's persistence in the entertainment industry saw him participating in several Take That and Westlife tribute bands in Ibiza and being a part of a Spanish boy band. His breakthrough came as a runner-up in the Sky Living modelling competition, signed by Katie Price, in 2011, which solidified his path in the entertainment world.
Rylan's leap to widespread public recognition came with his participation in The X Factor in 2012, where he finished fifth. His flamboyant style and distinctive personality quickly made him a household name. Capitalising on his newfound fame, Rylan entered the Celebrity Big Brother house, where he not only won the show but also gained a reputation for his entertaining run-ins with fellow contestants Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. This victory marked a turning point in his career, leading to his role as presenter of the Big Brother spin-off, Big Brother's Bit on the Side, in May 2013. His natural flair for hosting and engaging persona opened doors to further presenting roles on shows like Daybreak and This Morning, showcasing his versatility and appeal as a television presenter.
Rylan's career trajectory continued to soar as he took on diverse roles in the entertainment industry. In 2016, he co-hosted The Xtra Factor alongside Matt Edmondson, returning to his roots where he initially found fame. Despite the show's eventual cancellation, Rylan's star continued to rise. He hosted his TV show, Up Late with Rylan, on Channel 5, and in 2017, presented the game show Babushka on ITV. His foray into radio broadcasting came in 2018 when he took over Zoe Ball's Radio 2 Saturday afternoon slot. His versatility and popularity were further cemented by his involvement in multiple TV shows, including hosting duties on ITV2’s Supermarket Sweep reboot in 2019 and the revival of Ready Steady Cook in 2020.
Beyond television presenting, Rylan has also made significant contributions to charity and entertainment events. In November 2019, he showcased his endurance and dedication by singing non-stop karaoke for 24 hours to raise money for Children in Need. In recent years, Rylan has become synonymous with popular TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing's sister show It Takes Two, which he co-hosted with Zoe Ball and later with Janette Manrara. His appointment as a host on the fashion makeover show, You Are What You Wear for BBC One, and his role as a judge for Eurovision: You Decide, further illustrate his diverse talents and his ability to connect with audiences across various genres. Rylan's journey from a modest background to becoming one of the UK's most beloved television personalities is a testament to his charisma, resilience, and versatility.
