Rylan reassures fans 'he's good' after fears for his mental health

Tilly Pearce
·3 min read
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Rylan Clark-Neal in discussion about his new ITV gameshow 'Babushka' at the Build LDN event on April 19, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. WhitbyGetty Images)
Rylan has reassured fans that he's doing OK after a difficult year (Getty Images)

Rylan has assured fans that he’s “doing good” following reports that he was being urged to take more time off work.

The 32-year-old star allegedly broke down in tears behind-the-scenes of his BBC Radio 2 show, just weeks after taking four months off to focus on his mental health and marriage. As a result, it was being reported that he was being 'asked by bosses to take up to a year away' from the limelight.

But speaking on Twitter today following the reports, Rylan has assured fans that he’s “doing well” after a difficult year.

He simply wrote: “Couple of news stories today. Be assured, I'm good. I wasn't, but I am now x.”

The TV presenter returned to work on Strictly Come Dancing spin-off, It Takes Two, last month after spending a large part of the year away from his demanding schedule to focus on his personal life.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Rylan Clark-Neal attends The Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2021 at The Roundhouse on October 06, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
Presenter Rylan returned to work in September after a four month mental health break (Kate Green/Getty Images)

This included the breakdown of his marriage to husband of six years, Dan Neal, despite efforts to get their relationship back on track.

Read more: Rylan Clark-Neal's 'Ready Steady Cook' dropped by BBC after two series

In June, Rylan confirmed the news, and said in a statement: “Following reports about Dan and I spending time apart, I feel I have to speak out as the way it is being reported is unfair.

“I have made a number of mistakes which I deeply regret and have inevitably led to the breakdown of our marriage.”

Rylan Clark and Dan Neal attending the Absolutely Fabulous The Movie After Party held at Liberty Department Store in London.
Rylan Clark-Neal and husband Dan Neal are splitting after six years (PA)

Rylan then spent four months away from his radio shows and work commitments in order to try and reconcile with Neal, but it unfortunately didn’t work.

He has since dropped his ‘Clark-Neal’ surname professionally, and now only goes by Rylan.

Read more: Rylan Clark-Neal pulls out of Eurovision semi-finals coverage due to illness

In an appearance at the Attitude awards earlier this month, the former Big Brother star credited Claire Richards from band Steps for helping him through his darker moments.

He told Camden's Roundhouse: "On a personal level, one of the members of this band is like my big sister.

Programme Name: It Takes Two 2021 - TX: 27/09/2021 - Episode: Generics (No. n/a) - Picture Shows: Janette Manrara, Rylan - (C) BBC - Photographer: Ray Burmiston
Rylan hosts 'Strictly: It Takes Two' alongside Janette Manrara (BBC)

"For the past four months, probably for the toughest time in my life, she's been there for me, and without her, I probably wouldn't be giving this award out tonight."

But in a sign he was getting his sense of humour back, he added: "Sorry guys I was a little bit distracted, I was trying to download Grindr. It's been 10 minutes.

"What a year! I'm genuinely thrilled to be here."

Watch: Rylan Clark-Neal confesses 'mistakes' have ended marriage