Rylan Clark-Neal suffers with crippling agoraphobia.
The ‘Big Brother’s Bit on the Side’ host – who shot to fame after he came fifth on ‘The X Factor’ in 2012 – may come across as confident and bubbly but he has admitted he’s often riddled with anxiety and tries to steer clear of parties.
He said: "I love my job but hate everything that comes with it. Everyone knowing who you are, it’s flattering that people want to talk to me but it’s turned me into an agoraphobic. You don’t see me at events because I hate them. When people want to talk to you at those things, they always have ulterior motives."
The 27-year-old star’s presenting career has gone from strength-to-strength over the past four years but he’d love to return to his roots and carve a name for himself in the music industry in a few years to come and is convinced he could give Sir Rod Stewart, 71, a run for his money.
He explained: "I love the job I’m doing right now. Obviously I am a frustrated pop star but I could do that at 60 if I really wanted to – it’s working for Rod Stewart. One day I will show people what I can do outside the bubble of ‘The X Factor’ but not yet. I’m just lucky to be earning money."
Rylan is even hoping he can one day represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Speaking to the Metro newspaper, he said: "I’d love to do Eurovision. If we’re [the UK are] going to lose, we might as well lose in spectacular style. I’d go full out."
Rylan Clark-Neal has agoraphobia
