Fans of Strictly Come Dancing were left shocked earlier this month when it was announced that It Takes Two host Rylan Clark-Neal would be leaving the show after just two years in the role. Amid rumours and speculation swirling around social media over the true reasons behind his departure, Rylan has now spoken out about his decision – and set the record straight once and for all.
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing and its spin-off show, It Takes Two, were left reeling this week when host Rylan Clark announced his departure from the latter after four years. The presenter, who began his career as a contestant on The X Factor, used social media to break the news then confirmed the rumours and thanked everyone involved on his BBC Radio 2 show.
Clark’s departure will be a loss to the programme, which is much loved by Strictly fans. The show features behind-the-scenes insights, challenges and interviews with the stars and experts involved in making the main show a success. Clark’s warm and witty presenting style has seen him become a popular addition to the Strictly family, though, fortunately for his fans, he will continue to host on Radio 2 and provide commentary for the Eurovision Song Contest in May.
Strictly Come Dancing has been a fixture of UK TV schedules for 17 years and remains one of the most popular shows on BBC One. Over more than 30 series, it has become renowned for showcasing talented amateur dancers, many of whom have gone on to careers in the entertainment industry, and has included judges such as theatre impresario Craig Revel Horwood, ballroom dancer Shirley Ballas and veteran choreographer Bruno Tonioli.
It Takes Two has been running for almost as long as its parent programme and features Zoe Ball and Janette Manrara as regular co-hosts. The show has covered everything from the technical aspects of the dancers’ routines to Fashion-themed episodes and interviews with celebrities who have appeared on the main show. It Takes Two has become a vital part of the Strictly brand and Clark’s absence will surely be felt by fans.
Despite this setback, Strictly Come Dancing remains a hugely popular entertainment programme that has cemented its place in the hearts of British TV viewers. The show’s success has spawned several international productions and made stars out of its judges and professional dancers, including Anton du Beke, Aljaž Škorjanec, Oti Mabuse and Giovanni Pernice.
The interactive nature of Strictly Come Dancing, where the public vote for their favourite dancers, has also made it an important platform for promoting new and established artists. Musical acts as diverse as Blur, Rod Stewart, Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Minogue have all performed on the show, with many taking the opportunity to showcase new material.
Despite Clark’s departure from It Takes Two, the Strictly family will continue to entertain audiences with its unique blend of dance, drama and entertainment. For fans of the show and its spin-off, there are sure to be many more thrilling moments to come.
As fans of Strictly: It Takes Two eagerly await the new season, rumours surrounding Rylan Clark’s exit have been rife. However, in a recent interview, the beloved host put to rest any doubts over his decision to step back from the show. Rylan’s infectious energy and love for all things Strictly has been a constant source of joy for viewers over the years, and while he may not be returning to our screens for the new season, we can’t help but be grateful for the laughter and entertainment he has brought us in the past. Here’s hoping that the show’s upcoming season will bring just as much fun and excitement as we continue to dance along with the stars.