Rylan Clark will be stepping down from his presenting role on Strictly: It Takes Two after four years, the BBC has announced today (April 12). Both the BBC and Rylan have issued statements on the matter, with the former X Factor contestant stating that the show will "always have [his] heart".
Announcing the news on social media, the 34-year-old posted a headshot of himself alongside his reason for leaving the show behind. "After 4 fantastic years it's time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two," the statement said.
"I've had the best time hosting the show alongside Janette and Zoe and I can't thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show. I've been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me."
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"The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me," Rylan added. "Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart... and dancing feet. Ry x"
The news of Rylan's departure has upset many viewers, who loved seeing him present the Strictly spin-off on weeknights. Some have speculated why Rylan may be stepping away on social media, with their theories including that he may be the host of the Big Brother reboot or appear as a contestant in the next series of Strictly, which is due to hit our screens later this year.
Confirming the news, Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC said: "On behalf of BBC Two, BBC Daytime, and Strictly fans everywhere, I want to thank Rylan for entertaining audiences so brilliantly for the past four years on Strictly It Takes Two. Rylan's infectious personality, his stand out sass and his genuine love for all the glitz and glamour of the ballroom, has been a big part of It Takes Two's continued success.
"Rylan will always be part of the Strictly family of course, but I know he'll be hugely missed by all the Strictly It Takes Two viewers, Janette and everyone else who works on the show."
Eve Winstanley, Executive Producer of Strictly It Takes Two, added: "It has been so much fun working with Rylan. Myself and the It Takes Two team will miss his boundless energy and love for entertaining viewers.
"We'd like to thank him for being a huge sparkling part of the Strictly family for the last 4 years."
The BBC has reassured fans that they can still catch Rylan bringing UK audiences his colourful and insightful commentary for Eurovision next month, and can tune into his BBC Radio 2 show on Saturdays from 3pm. Strictly It Takes Two will announce a new presenter in due course.
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