Strictly host quits show with emotional goodbye message leaving fans devastated

RYLAN Clark has dramatically quit Strictly: It Takes Two after four years and shared an emotional goodbye with fans.

The 34-year-old presenter took to his Instagram account to confirm the news today, alongside a caption which read: "Been a pleasure @bbcstrictly" and a love heart emoji.

In the accompanying post, Rylan wrote: "After 4 fantastic years it's time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two.

"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.

"The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me.

"Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart...and dancing feet. Ry x."

Rylan joined the BBC Two Strictly spin-off show in 2019, initially co-hosting the programme alongside Zoe Ball.

When Zoe, 52, left in May 2021 to focus on her BBC Radio Two breakfast show, former Strictly pro Janette, 39, replaced her alongside Rylan.

Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted says: “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 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.”

Audiences can catch Rylan bringing UK audiences his colourful and insightful commentary for Eurovision this May 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.