Rylan Clark-Neal will forever be grateful to Rita Ora for putting him through the audition stage of ‘The X Factor’ because his appearance on the talent show was the launchpad for his television career.
The 31-year-old presenter rose to fame after coming fifth on the ITV singing competition in 2012 and he has nothing but gratitude to guest judge Rita Ora for helping to get him through to the bootcamp round after his audition got a less than favourable response from judge Gary Barlow.
Appearing on ‘The Jonathan Ross Show’ – in an episode which will air on ITV on Christmas Eve (24.12.19) – alongside ‘Anywhere’ hitmaker Rita, Rylan said: "I love Rita to bits. If it wasn’t for Rita saying yes, I genuinely wouldn’t have got through."
Rita – who was filling the empty spot after Kelly Rowland stepped down in 2011 – admits she had mixed feelings about Rylan’s vocal talent but she had a feeling he was destined for showbiz.
Speaking on the chat show’s sofa, she shared: "I said, ‘I don’t know if singing is your thing, but you my friend are a star.’ You made it on your own, my darling!"
In 2013, Rylan went on to win the 11th series of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in 2013 before going on to land the job as the host of spin-off show ‘Big Brother’s Bit on the Side’ when the reality series moved to Channel 5.
The ‘Supermarket Sweep’ host decided to pay homage to his experiences on ‘CBB’ by adding his own personal Diary Room to his house.
He said: "The one thing when anyone comes to my house that they get quite excited about is my Diary Room. I have an exact replica of my ‘Big Brother’ Diary Room so it’s all automatic, you press the eye and the door opens and it locks and unlocks and all changes colour. I love it. I’ve got a bit of money now and a bit of time on my hands."
Rylan will be spending his first Christmas in his new modern home with his husband Dan Neal.
But the pair might run into some trouble over the festive holidays if they get too merry.
He added: "I like living in the future. There is one door [you can get in using your voice. It doesn’t work so well] when you’re drunk."
Rylan Clark-Neal will always be grateful to Rita Ora for X Factor vote
