Rylan Clark, a familiar face on British television, has made a much-discussed comeback to ITV’s This Morning, stepping in for regular hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on February 7, 2026. His return was met with palpable anticipation, not just because of his absence, but also due to the controversy that surrounded him last year. The TV personality, known for his candidness and good humor, found himself at the center of a heated national conversation about immigration in August 2025—a debate that led to 702 complaints being lodged with Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, according to Entertainment Daily and other sources.
It all started during a segment on This Morning when Clark and his co-hosts discussed mass deportation plans proposed by political figure Nigel Farage. Rylan, never one to shy away from tough topics, acknowledged the positive impact immigrants have had on the UK, even sharing that healthcare professionals from abroad had played a vital role in saving his mother’s life. Yet, he also expressed concern about the perilous journeys many asylum seekers undertake, describing the crossings of the English Channel in small boats as “absolutely insane.” His frustration was evident as he commented on perceptions that asylum seekers receive preferential treatment upon arrival, remarking, “Here’s the iPad. Here’s the NHS in reception of your hotel.” He also pointed out the struggles faced by long-term residents, including homelessness and the challenges veterans face.
Those comments, as reported by Entertainment Daily, ignited a firestorm on social media and prompted a flood of complaints to Ofcom. The backlash was swift and intense, leading to Clark’s noticeable absence from This Morning for several weeks. The show continued without him, but viewers and media outlets alike speculated about his future with the program.
Fast forward to February 7, 2026, and Clark’s return was anything but low-key. He reunited with Emma Willis, his co-host and friend, in a newly updated studio. The pair’s chemistry was clear from the first moments of the broadcast, with Clark greeting viewers warmly: “Hello and welcome to your Friday’s This Morning.” The duo shared a hug and exchanged laughs, setting a friendly, upbeat tone for the show. Viewers quickly took to social media to voice their approval, with comments like “Rylan and Emma are brilliant” and “It’s lovely to see Rylan back” trending during the broadcast.
Clark’s approach to his return was measured and thoughtful. In the wake of the controversy, he released a statement on Instagram advocating for more nuanced conversations about immigration. “You can be pro-immigration and against illegal routes,” he wrote, urging people to resist the urge to categorize others into simplistic boxes. He emphasized the importance of dialogue over condemnation, a sentiment that resonated with many fans who appreciate his willingness to tackle difficult subjects head-on.
The episode marked a new chapter for This Morning, which airs weekdays from 10 AM on ITV1 and ITVX. The show’s updated studio and refreshed lineup seemed to signal a move toward more open, balanced discussions—something Clark himself has championed. As the program unfolded, Clark and Willis recapped the day’s agenda, diving into lifestyle segments and celebrity interviews, all while maintaining the show’s trademark mix of warmth and topicality.
But Clark’s return to the spotlight hasn’t just been about controversy and comeback narratives. The TV star has also been making headlines for a far more personal reason: he’s ditched his long-standing fake tan habit. On his radio show in January 2026, Clark revealed to listeners that he had been “fake tan free” for six months, dating back to July 2025. “Believe it if you want or not, I’ve not worn fake tan since about July last year, genuinely I have not,” he said, according to Entertainment Daily. “I’ve never felt so free in my life.”
The decision to forgo fake tan was met with light-hearted relief from his partner, who, Clark joked, was pleased not to have to deal with stained bedsheets anymore. “My bedsheets are white, my fella, he’s very happy because every time I stayed at his place it was like a crime scene the following morning, but yeah, I’ve ditched the tan for now,” Clark quipped. He did leave the door open for a possible return to his bronzed look, adding, “Never say never, I’m sure there’s certain things that could get me in a little bit of fake tan.”
Clark’s relationship with fake tan hasn’t always been smooth. During a trip to India in 2025, where he was filming alongside Rob Rinder, he faced an unexpected crisis: his precious bottle of fake tan burst inside his suitcase, covering his belongings in bronzing mousse. “I was going to fly home,” he joked to The Mirror. “There is no fake tan in India, you can’t find it anywhere. It was a nightmare. I ended up having to do some FedEx type thing from London, and it cost me 400 quid, just to get a bottle of St Tropez Bronzing Mousse.”
Despite the challenges, Clark seems to be embracing this new chapter with his characteristic humor and openness. His willingness to talk candidly about both serious issues and everyday mishaps has endeared him to viewers across the UK. Whether he’s addressing national debates or sharing personal milestones, Clark’s authenticity shines through—something fans clearly appreciate, judging by the outpouring of support following his return to This Morning.
Clark’s presence extends beyond daytime television. On the evening of February 7, 2026, he appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show at 6:45 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, further cementing his place as one of the UK’s most recognizable entertainment personalities.
As Clark navigates the challenges and opportunities of public life, his recent experiences—both the backlash and the support—seem to have deepened his resolve to foster honest, respectful conversations. The lessons learned from last year’s controversy, combined with his personal growth, may well shape how he approaches sensitive topics in the future. For now, viewers can look forward to more of his trademark wit, empathy, and yes, perhaps the occasional return to his beloved fake tan.