Rylan Clark shares 'real reason' for quitting BBC Strictly It Takes Two after shutting down speculation

Rylan Clark has addressed the 'real reason' he has quit his role on the Strictly Come Dancing spin-off show as he spoke about his exit for the first time. The TV and radio star left fans gutted last week after confirming that he'd be stepping back from his hosting role on Strictly: It Takes Two after four years ahead of the BBC dance contest's return later this year.

Rylan, who joined the show in 2019 as Zoe Ball's co-host before his fellow Radio 2 star left and was replaced by Strictly's former professional dancer Janette Manrara, said he was leaving his presenting role on the weeknight BBC2 show to "pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me".

In a statement shared on social media, the 34-year-old wrote: "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." He movingly concluded his message: "Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart… and dancing feet."

Sppear on his Radio 2 show Rylan On Saturday, the former Celebrity Big Brother winner addressed his exit for the first time since the announcement: "So I just want to say publicly to all the Strictly family, I love you dearly for the last four years," he said before continuing: "Can I just confirm please as well, I’m seeing all the rumours. Please carry on with your rumours, I ain’t going anywhere darling."

Appearing to address the 'real reason' for him stepping back, he added: "It was