Rylan Clark’s time on This Morning has come to an abrupt end, with ITV insiders claiming the presenter has been quietly “dropped” after a week marked by fiery debates and growing backlash.
The former X Factor star had been stepping in for Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard during the summer break, joining Josie Gibson on the blue sofa. Viewers had praised their natural chemistry, with some even threatening to boycott the show if ITV didn’t keep them on.
But behind the scenes, executives were said to be unsettled by the storm that erupted earlier this week when Rylan waded into a heated debate about immigration. Speaking live on air, he declared: “This country is built on immigration. Legal immigration. They’re in our tax system, they’re helping our country thrive. I find it absolutely insane that all these people are, one, risking their lives to come across the Channel.
And, two, when they get here, it does seem like: ‘Welcome. Come on in. Here’s the hotel, here’s the phones, here’s the iPads’. And then there’s people who have lived here all their lives. They are struggling. I believe that something major needs to be done about this.”
The comments sparked a wave of criticism online, forcing Rylan to issue a statement defending himself: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans rights and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. The list continues.”
Despite his clarification, ITV bosses reportedly felt the controversy had overshadowed his hosting stint. When Rylan announced on air, “Last day today!”, many assumed it was simply the end of his summer cover. But sources suggest it was in fact his final appearance after being told he would not be invited back.
Fans, however, aren’t ready to let him go. One viewer fumed: “Such a pleasure to watch this week with Rylan & Josie. Keep this format or I’m off!” Another insisted: “Please can we keep Rylan/Josie on here? I won’t be watching come next week.”
For many, the decision has left them stunned — with some saying Rylan and Josie had finally breathed new life into a show that has struggled to find stability since the Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby era.
