Rylan Clark's view on romance has changed since his divorce
Rylan Clark says his separation from former husband Dan Neal has helped him to realise what he wants from a relationship.
Rylan Clark's outlook on romance changed following his divorce.
The 38-year-old star separated from his former husband Dan Neal after six years of marriage in 2021 and says that the experience has made him realise what he wants from a relationship.
In an interview with Heat magazine, Rylan – who is now dating fairground owner Kennedy Bates – said: "I think when you go through a divorce, it makes you rethink, 'What do I want? Who am I? What do I want from a relationship? What do I want to be like in a relationship?'
"It took me a good four or five years to meet Kennedy. I dated. I did the first year of, 'I don't give a f***.' I had my mental year of running around kissing people and whatever."
The BBC Radio 2 presenter continued: "Ultimately, the way that I look at it is, I want to be with a person that, God forbid when my mum's not here any more, they're going to be there for me.
"I feel like I've got to that point where I met someone and went, 'Hang on a minute. This is right.'
"Is it all plain sailing? No, because it's a relationship. But would I want it any other way? No."
Rylan had a breakdown and took several months off work following his separation from Neal but insists that he has come out stronger following the traumatic experience.
The Dating Naked UK host said: "I'm a lot stronger than I thought. I was quite open in my book (2023 memoir Ten) about how low I actually got, but I'm better now.
"The hard times were almost a blessing in disguise – the fact that I went through that. At the time, obviously, it was s*** and awful. But now, I sit there and think I'm really glad I had those experiences."
Rylan has previously hosted shows such as Big Brother's Bit on the Side and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two but confessed that he turns down a lot of offers nowadays.
The star, who found fame as a contestant on The X Factor in 2012, said: "I felt pressure for the first five or six years of my career, but the last few years – believe it or not – the amount I say no to is a lot. I prefer saying no than yes now.
"It'll only be a yes for me if it's something I actually want to do, not, 'I should do that.'"
He added: "I remember the days where people would say, 'You should do this, because the commissioning editor is going to be there.' Or, 'You should put yourself forward for this.'
"That means f*** all now. You either want me or you don't. I'd rather have a day off in my pants."
