Rylan Clark, the ever-charismatic television and radio personality, has made a much-welcomed return to ITV’s "This Morning," stepping in for regular hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary. His comeback on February 6, 2026, was met with both anticipation and relief by fans, following a tumultuous period last year that saw him embroiled in controversy over comments he made about immigration. The incident, which unfolded in August 2025, resulted in 702 complaints being lodged with Ofcom and led to Rylan’s temporary absence from the show. Now, with a fresh perspective and a new co-host in Emma Willis, Rylan is back on viewers’ screens, eager to turn the page.
On his first day back, Rylan greeted viewers in the newly revamped studio, exuding a sense of camaraderie with Emma Willis. Their chemistry was palpable as they shared a warm hug and introduced the day’s agenda. Rylan opened the show with the familiar, "Hello and welcome to your Friday’s This Morning," a phrase that seemed to reassure viewers that some things—like his infectious energy—never change. According to ITV, the duo quickly found their stride, with viewers taking to social media to express their delight. Comments such as "Rylan and Emma are brilliant" and "It’s lovely to see Rylan back" flooded Twitter and Instagram, signaling that audiences were ready to embrace the new chapter.
But Rylan’s return wasn’t just another day at the studio. It came after weeks of scrutiny and absence, triggered by his remarks during a heated discussion about mass deportation plans proposed by Nigel Farage. In the August 2025 segment, Rylan acknowledged the deep-rooted impact of immigration on the UK, even sharing a personal story: immigrant healthcare professionals had saved his mother’s life. Yet, he didn’t shy away from expressing concerns about the perilous journeys asylum seekers undertake across the English Channel in small boats, describing it as "absolutely insane." Rylan also voiced frustration at what he saw as the perception of preferential treatment for asylum seekers, quipping, "Here’s the iPad. Here’s the NHS in reception of your hotel." He highlighted the struggles faced by long-term residents, including the homeless and veterans, suggesting that the situation was more complex than often portrayed.
The fallout was swift and intense. Viewers flooded Ofcom with 702 complaints, and social media was ablaze with debate. Rylan’s absence from "This Morning" in the weeks that followed was conspicuous. Yet, he didn’t retreat entirely from the conversation. On Instagram, he issued a statement advocating for more nuanced discussions on immigration, emphasizing, "You can be pro-immigration and against illegal routes." He further urged, "People should stop categorizing others into restrictive boxes." According to ITV and his own social posts, Rylan’s message was clear: open, honest conversation is needed, not condemnation.
As Rylan resumed his hosting duties, the show’s producers seemed keen to signal a fresh start, with the updated studio serving as a metaphor for renewal. Emma Willis, his co-host, brought her own brand of warmth and professionalism, and together they recapped the day’s topics with a light touch. Viewers responded positively, perhaps sensing that Rylan had learned from the past and was ready to navigate sensitive topics with greater care. "This Morning" continues to air weekdays at 10 AM on ITV1 and ITVX, and Rylan’s renewed presence promises more lively debates—though, one hopes, with less controversy.
Amid the swirl of television drama, Rylan has also been making headlines for a more personal reason: he has given up his long-standing fake tan habit. During his radio show in January 2026, Rylan revealed that he had been "fake tan free" for six months, having stopped using it around July 2025. For a star so closely associated with his sun-kissed glow, this was no small admission. As reported by Entertainment Daily, Rylan confessed, "Believe it if you want or not, I’ve not worn fake tan since about July last year, genuinely I have not. I’ve never felt so free in my life."
The decision to ditch the tan was partly practical. Rylan recounted the challenges he faced while filming in India with Rob Rinder in 2025, including an incident where his bottle of fake tan burst in his suitcase, causing a mess and leaving him desperate for a replacement. "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," he told The Mirror. The ordeal, while amusing in retrospect, seemed to be the final straw.
Rylan also joked about the impact his fake tan habit had on his personal life, particularly on his partner’s bedsheets. "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," he said with a laugh. Still, he left the door open for a return, adding, "Never say never, I’m sure there’s certain things that could get me in a little bit of fake tan." For now, though, Rylan is embracing a more natural look—and, by his own admission, enjoying the freedom it brings.
Rylan’s candidness about both his professional missteps and his personal habits has endeared him to many. He’s not afraid to admit when he’s gotten it wrong, nor to share the quirks that make him human. This willingness to be open—about immigration debates, about the trials of fake tan dependency, about the messiness of real life—has helped him weather storms and remain a fixture on British television.
Fans can catch Rylan not only on "This Morning" but also on "Michael McIntyre’s Big Show," where he appeared on February 7, 2026, at 6:45 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. His schedule remains as packed as ever, and if viewer reactions are any indication, his popularity is undiminished.
In a media landscape often dominated by outrage and polarization, Rylan Clark’s story is a reminder that people can learn, adapt, and move forward. Whether he’s tackling tough topics on live television or laughing about fake tan disasters, Rylan continues to connect with audiences by being unapologetically himself.