Rylan Clark has confirmed that his time on This Morning has come to an end, marking a permanent exit from the ITV show. Following a tumultuous week of controversy, the TV personality revealed that his contract had been terminated in the wake of backlash over his remarks on immigration.
His departure brings a dramatic close to his role as stand-in host alongside Josie Gibson, who had been covering for Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard during their summer break. Josie commented on-air, “What a week!” unaware that it would also signal Rylan’s final appearance.
The controversy began earlier when Rylan challenged viewers on his stance regarding Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s mass deportation proposals. Speaking live, he asked:
“How come if I turn up at Heathrow Airport as a British citizen and I’ve left my passport in Spain, I won’t be let in? But if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?”
He clarified his position, emphasizing he is not against immigration, saying: “This country is built on immigration legal immigration. They pay tax, they help our country thrive. But illegal routes? That’s something we can’t ignore.”
Rylan also drew attention to what he saw as an unfair system: “You’ve got people who have lived here all their lives struggling, while others are handed hotels, phones, even iPads. Something major has to change.”
His comments quickly sparked controversy, dividing audiences and drawing criticism for allegedly spreading misinformation about asylum seekers in the UK. Social media erupted, with calls for ITV to take action growing by the hour.
Rylan defended himself on X, stating: “You can be pro-immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans rights and respect women. You can be straight and support gay rights. The list goes on.”
Despite his defense, by Friday the decision had been made. ITV confirmed that his role would not continue, with insiders revealing that the network and Rylan had “mutually agreed” to terminate his contract.
Fans were left devastated by the news. One wrote, “Please keep Rylan and Josie on! They’re the best duo in years.” Another added, “I won’t be watching next week—he was the only reason I tuned in.”
The announcement came as former host Ruth Langsford hinted at a possible return to the show, joking to The Mirror that she’d happily reunite with her “TV son” Rylan:
“I love Rylan. He’s like my son. We’ve worked together before, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If ITV asked, I’d be there.”
With Rylan’s time at ITV now officially over, fans are left speculating whether the pair could team up on a new project outside of This Morning.
For now, it’s clear: Rylan Clark is leaving daytime TV on his own terms—bold, unapologetic, and unbowed.