- The 35-year-old X Factor contestant turned broadcaster this week praised Sky's political editor Beth Rigby
- Read more: Rylan Clark admits he suffered behind-the-scenes 'trauma' on The X Factor being forced to perform songs that were beyond his ability
His recent BBC series with Rob Rinder saw him uncovering the secrets of the Renaissance on a grand Italian tour - and now it seems Rylan has fallen in love with politics.
Tuning into Wednesday's chaotic Downing Street announcement by Rishi Sunak that the country will have a general election on July 4th, the former X Factor star-turned-Radio 2 broadcaster poured praise on Sky News' Political Editor Beth Rigby.
Sharing a clip of the political journaliast shouting a question in the rain outside in Westminster, Rylan wrote: 'Obsessed with the Rigby'.
And, the feeling was reciprocated, with Digby, known for her hard-nosed coverage on the frontline of politics, replying to the compliment with a video message.
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Beth Rigby, Sky New's Political Editor, is known for firing tough questions at politicians - but she showed her softer side with a video for Rylan
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She told Rylan, who shot to fame as a contestant on ITV's reality talent show in 2012, when he was in his early twenties: 'I am obsessed with you too, and I think you get to cover stuff that's a bit more fun than I do.'
She continued: 'If you do like politics, I know the Venn diagram between people that love watching and listening to Rylan and the people that love politics might be quite narrow but give us a follow.'
She also made a plea for the star to come on her Electoral Dysfunction podcast, saying 'it would make my day'.
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In his latest BBC series, Rob & Rylan’s Grand Tour, Rylan Clark and his close friend Rob Rinder spent time enjoying - and learning about - cultural sights in Venice and Florence
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Rigby made a plea for the BBC Radio 2 DJ to make an appearance on her Electoral Dysfunction podcast after Rylan appeared to show an interest in politics
Rylan neither confirmed or denied that he would appear on the audio show but instead posted in response: 'I think I'm actually dying'.
The Radio 2 star appears to be enjoying the intellectual side of life. His recent three-part BBC Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour series with TV barrister and occasional GMB host Rob Rinder saw the pair touring the historic sights of Italy.
With the cameras rolling, the friends spoke movingly about their respective divorces and looking to rebuilding their lives in a show billed as a bittersweet 'heartbreak holiday' - but the programme also saw Rylan introduced to Italian Renaissance art and classical music, thanks to his friend.
Rylan joked that ‘the nearest I’ve got to classical music is when Pete Tong did Ibiza dance tunes with an orchestra’, but nevertheless he threw himself into the culture with a passion.
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You've come a long way, baby! Rylan has transformed himself from a novelty act - prone to sobbing - to becoming a household name
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The reinvention of Rylan Clark! The broadcaster pictured while filming Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour for the BBC
On the trip, the duo retraced the steps of the 18th and 19th century English aristocrats who left the confines of British society behind to seek freedom and adventure on a classic upper class gap year.
In particular, Rob and Rylan follow the most famous Grand Tourist of all, Romantic poet Lord Byron, on the 200th anniversary of his death.
He travelled to Venice in 1816 and then on to Florence and Rome, fleeing a scandalous divorce caused partly because he slept with his half-sister.
‘I don’t often compare myself to Byron, but I too am a divorcee,’ said criminal barrister Rob, 45, best known as formidable Judge Rinder on his ITV reality courtroom show.
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The friends' new series, Rob & Rylan’s Grand Tour, has proved a big hit for the pair
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While his singing voice didn't set the world on fire in 2012, Rylan did impress judges on X Factor with his performances - and unique outfits including left, a cowl hooded beige number, and, right, a gold lamé affair
He and his ex-husband, barrister Seth Cumming, divorced in 2018.
‘And so is Rylan. And we’re both looking for a new start too.’
The barrister, given an MBE in 2021 for services to Holocaust education, has said that Rylan has become one of his closest friends.
‘He’s the real deal, which is rare. He isn’t just the friend you call in a crisis - that’s the easy bit - he’s the mate who will celebrate with gusto with you when great things happen, that’s the true barometer of friendship’.