Rylan Clark, the television personality who first won the nation’s heart on The X Factor in 2012, has recently opened up about a new chapter in his life—one marked by love, friendship, and a newfound sense of freedom. After years in the public eye, Rylan’s candid revelations about his relationship with boyfriend Kennedy Bates and his evolving personal journey have resonated with fans and colleagues alike, painting a picture of a man embracing change and happiness, both on and off the screen.
Rylan’s ascent to fame began when he appeared on the ninth series of The X Factor, mentored by Nicole Scherzinger and competing alongside contestants like James Arthur, who ultimately won the series. As reported by Filmogaz and The Mirror, Rylan quickly became a household name, not just for his singing talent but for his vibrant personality and ability to connect with viewers. His career soon expanded beyond the talent show stage, leading to high-profile presenting gigs on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two and regular spots on This Morning.
But Rylan’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. His personal life has played out in the public eye, especially his marriage to former Big Brother star Dan Neal. The couple wed in 2015 but parted ways in 2021, a split that Rylan has openly discussed in interviews and his 2022 memoir, Ten: The Decade That Changed My Future. Reflecting on the breakup and its fallout, Rylan admitted, “Twice last year [2021] I ended up in the back of an ambulance because my heart failed.” He also confessed to past mistakes, writing, “I have no excuses for what I did way back then, but I had my reasons. I think for many years I had felt a bit like an imposter. That nothing I was doing was right or not quite good enough.”
Rylan’s honesty about his struggles—both emotional and physical—has made him relatable to many. According to The Mirror, he suffered multiple health scares after his divorce, including two episodes of heart failure in 2021. Yet, rather than let these setbacks define him, Rylan has focused on recovery and self-discovery.
Family has always played a central role in Rylan’s life, particularly his close relationship with his mother, Linda. The pair have charmed audiences on Celebrity Gogglebox, but Linda has faced her own health challenges. At 73, she was recently hospitalized after a fall outside her home, fracturing her shoulder. Speaking on his BBC Radio 2 show, Linda recounted, “I just went flying and I hurt my arm again.” Rylan, ever the devoted son, shared the anxiety he felt upon learning of her accident: “Well that was a lovely phone call I got that morning, you on your way to hospital. But it could’ve been worse, it could have been your arm and your leg like we’ve had before.” Linda’s resilience is evident, having previously undergone major bowel operations for Crohn’s disease and another fall during a 2022 holiday in Marbella. Despite these setbacks, she is recovering and has resumed her routine, much to Rylan’s relief.
Professionally, Rylan’s star continues to rise. One of his most celebrated projects is the BBC Two series Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour, which he co-hosts with Rob Rinder. Their on-screen chemistry and genuine camaraderie have been a hit with viewers, earning them a BAFTA in the Factual Entertainment category. The series, which originally followed their cultural pilgrimage through Italy, has since expanded to include journeys in India and, most recently, Greece. “We started Grand Tour – our Italy show – as mates. We ended it as friends. Now we’ve gone to India as really good friends,” Rylan shared, reflecting on the deepening bond with his co-host.
The latest installment, a Greek Odyssey tour, promises to take audiences from the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the Oracle at Delphi, exploring the heroes of Sparta and the pleasures of Mykonos. The third series, which wrapped filming earlier this year, is set to air later in 2026, and anticipation is already building among fans of the duo’s unique blend of humor and insight.
Yet, it’s Rylan’s personal transformation that has captured the most attention recently. In late 2025, he confirmed his relationship with Kennedy Bates, describing him as “someone I had been waiting for for a long time.” The couple’s romance became Instagram-official during a picturesque holiday in the Maldives, where Rylan posted, “Maldives. You were perfect. New year, new friends, new beginnings.” The post was met with a wave of support from friends and co-stars. Ranvir Singh commented, “This is very cute xxx,” while Zoe Ball added, “Love this love for you baby.” Messages from Stacey Dooley, Scarlett Moffatt, and others poured in, celebrating Rylan’s happiness.
Rylan has also embraced changes in his lifestyle, notably giving up fake tan after years of habitual use. He revealed, “It has been six months since I last applied my go-to fake tan. I have never felt so free in my life.” He joked about his white bedsheets finally staying white and credited his partner for supporting this fresh start. This lighthearted admission became a symbol of his broader journey toward self-acceptance and liberation.
According to Filmogaz, Rylan’s candid approach to life and love has endeared him to a wide audience. His willingness to share both triumphs and vulnerabilities offers a refreshing counterpoint to the polished personas often seen in the entertainment industry. Whether he’s supporting his mother through recovery, forging new friendships on-screen, or celebrating love with Kennedy Bates, Rylan Clark stands as a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the joy of embracing new beginnings.
As Rylan looks ahead to future projects and adventures, both personally and professionally, his story serves as a reminder that freedom and happiness often come after weathering life’s storms. For fans and followers, his journey is not just about fame or accolades—it’s about the courage to start anew and the beauty of living life, unapologetically, on one’s own terms.