There’s no denying Rylan Clark has had a busy year. The 33-year-old star is madly in-demand as a presenter and is currently hosting Strictly: It Takes Two with Janette Manrara, as well as doing his Saturday afternoon radio show. But he’s also had to deal with the breakdown of his marriage to Dan Neal, which saw him taking a break from the public eye for a while.
Now feeling stronger and happier (and with brand-new teeth that were installed after we met him, dammit ), we caught up with him to hear about his Chrimbo plans, hosting a gossipy dinner party with his celeb “coven”, getting into the festive spirt and how you can win a night out with him…
You put a Christmas tree up last week – does that mean it’s officially Christmas in the Clark household?
Almost! I put my first one up at the weekend [right] and then I’ve got five more to go, so I’m slowly getting there. I’m going all-out. After the year I’ve had – which everyone knows has been pretty hard for me – I just want to have some fun and get a bit of joy in my house. And I thought, “Why have one tree when you can have six?” I’m decorating them all myself , but have had to go for artificial pre-lit ones now, as I had a disaster with a real one that died after a few days a couple of years ago. So, it’s fake all the way for me now.
What’s your dream festive dinner party?
The company – 100 per cent. Good guests and good drinks are key for me, then everything else just flows. That’s all that matters. Couple of bottles of wine. Good friends, good gossip, and laughing.
Which of your celeb pals would you invite?
Oh, definitely Claire from Steps, and Ruth and Eamonn. We’d just sit there eating, drinking and slagging everyone off. Nobody is safe from us.
Who does most of the slagging off?
It’s a collective thing. We’re like a coven, so when we get together, everyone is in the firing line. But I can’t you tell what gets said.
And who’s on your ultimate dream guest list?
All five Spice Girls. And I’d sit them down, and ask, “What the hell are you doing? Like, Vic, you need to get back involved – stop taking the piss, your businesses are doing well, but Spice World needs you more.” Their reunion tour was great, but it wasn’t quite the same without Posh. As they said in the movie, we need five for the power of Spice.
You’re working with i heart Wines – who is your ultimate drinking partner?
Ruth Langsford is definitely a goer. She likes a beverage. She is a f**king party animal. I love it.
This is your first year hosting It Takes Two without Zoe Ball, how are you finding it?
I miss my sewing Nana. I always called her that. But Janette, our little pocket rocket, is fantastic and it’s just been another amazing series this year. I can’t call who will win.
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And, lastly, what will you be asking Santa for?
A fresh start! I really need one. And also I need a holiday – a week’s all-inclusive in the sun, with someone bringing me food and drink and not moving. I definitely need a break, rather than a breakdown!
Rylan is brand ambassador for i heart Wines. For more info, visit iheartwines.co.uk
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WIN A NIGHT WITH RYLAN
i heart Wines is giving one lucky winner the chance to WIN an UNFORGETTABLE Christmas party for their nearest and dearest, with Rylan joining the celebrations! Complete with the fizz, games, and festive decs for a party to remember, i heart Wines will supply the booze, venue, and entertainment, so you can toast the season with your favourite vino, friends, and family, in the company of Rylan. Runners up will receive a fabulous hamper. For the chance to win (and full T&Cs), click here and explain why you deserve to win the ULTIMATE Christmas party. Entries close at 00:01 on 7.12.2021.