Rylan Clark has sparked concern among his loyal followers after it was revealed he'd be joining Emma Willis on her Comic Relief challenge. But it's not the mammoth task they have ahead that is worrying the BBC Radio 2 star's fans.
It was revealed on Friday (February 3) that The Voice host Emma will be taking on the unforgiving, subarctic terrain of the Cairngorm Mountains in the Scottish Highlands, in what will no doubt be a once-in-a-lifetime challenge to raise money for Comic Relief.
But the good news is, she won't be alone. Emma will be joined by Rylan and former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse with the trio tackling the brutal landscape across three punishing days and two freezing nights, all captured for a special documentary, which will air on BBC One in the run up to Red Nose Day on March 17.
To complete their mission, they will need to work as a team and become entirely self-sufficient as they take on wild camping, and – equipped with ice axes and crampons – battle the ever-changing elements to summit Cairngorm Mountain. The group are already in training as they'll set off from Braemar on Wednesday (February 8) before pushing their bodies to the limits, relying only on the provisions they can carry with them, in what will be one of the toughest physical and mental challenges of their lives.
Speaking about the challenge, Emma said: "I said yes to taking on this Red Nose Day challenge for a couple of reasons. First one being when Comic Relief asks, you should always say yes. Second one is, I love to do things that take me out of my comfort zone and I kind of made a promise to myself at the beginning of this year that I was going to do the things that scare me.
"It’s going to be difficult. And the more I talk about it, the harder it seems. I think you have to switch your brain into ‘there’s no other option, but to succeed’ mode. I got to visit a project that is funded by Comic Relief a few days ago that supports homeless young people and they were phenomenal so they will be the people at the forefront of my mind.”
Rylan added: “I've never been camping in my life. I've never slept in a tent. I have never worn camping attire. The only camping I do is camping it up on a Saturday night! I think the hardest part for me throughout this entire challenge is going to be the entire challenge. I'm not going to lie to myself - this isn't what I'm used to, and this isn't what I'd ever choose to do. But here I am, and I just hope I come out of it in one piece and don't lose any veneers in the snow.
"I think what's going to keep me going through the entire challenge is obviously the girls and knowing that we're doing it for a great cause. The better we do, fingers crossed, the more money we raise. Knowing where the money will go is definitely going to be my motivation when I'm ready to chuck it all in and call the chopper."
And Oti added: "I love everything about Red Nose Day. It feels like the whole country is coming together to help one another out and I feel like in this day and age it’s so important that we actually help each other. The money that we will hopefully raise will help a lot of people. I come from a country where we need a lot of help and being in this situation – being able to help in some way – for me, is what I’ve been raised to do.
"I’m so glad I don’t have to do this by myself. Things like this, and challenges like this can get lonely, especially the fact that we’re on the mountain for three days. I’m so glad I have people who are positive, who are so kind, who are so giving."
As their big challenge was announced, Rylan took to Instagram with a selfie of the trio all full of smiles as they started to train for what's ahead. "A couple of wonder women and a 'Ben Novice'…. " the 34-year-old captioned the image before adding: "@comicrelief game on."
But instead of focusing on the amazing - yet tough - task he is about to face, Rylan's fans were concerned for his house guest who has become a popular feature on his social media page. @cjc99 said: "WHO IS LOOKING AFTER PATRICE?!?!" @19pam70 asked: "Can I just who will be looking after Patrice whilst you are away?"
@mira2112 wrote: "Great interview guys … you got this! Rylan who is looking after Patrice?" @teresashearman echoed: "Good luck,who is looking after Patrice." @clair_barrett replied: "I hope your mum is feeding Patrice."
Just before Christmas the TV and radio favourite had fans in stitches as he tried to figure out how to be the hostest with the mostest to an unexpected guest in his garden - aka a pheasant. Sharing a video to his Instagram story, Rylan could be heard talking as he filmed his back garden. "Morning everyone... just a quick one to say, Patrice is still having a fight with himself," the former X Factor star could be heard saying. "He's woke me up this morning with how loud he's been."
But Rylan has since warmed to his feathered friend and gives his Instagram followers regular updates. In one filmed and posted on the social media platform last week, Rylan joked: "Patrice is getting lairy."
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