‘Brussels sprouts? Absolutely not – in the bin!’
The festive season kicks off with Rylan Clark-Neal, 31, meeting inventors of the perfect Christmas gifts…
What is the show about?
I meet people who have come up with a product they want to get on the shelves in time for Christmas. They pitch it to an audience of shoppers, and we also get a team of well-known retailers on as well. If they like what they see, they might place a big order – and a life-changing amount of money might be coming the inventors’ way.
Did you have your eye on anything?
One product was basically a roasting tin – like a baking tray. Within about five minutes, I wanted to buy ten of them, purely for the name alone, as it was called the ‘Cock-o-pan’. It cut the time for cooking a whole chicken in half, which is literally a lifesaver on a Sunday!
Have you invented anything? No, but I wish I could invent a day off! I’ve got loads coming up – Ready Steady Cook [Rylan’s set to front a reboot] and You Are What You Wear, a fashion makeover show for BBC1. It’s going to be a busy year!
Are you a big fan of Christmas? It’s a nice time and you are forced to see everyone. People really make an effort and just enjoy one another’s company. There might be the odd row but, yeah, I love it.
Your mum (Linda) has become a star in her own right thanks to Celebrity Gogglebox...
Everyone loves Linda! She’s a local celebrity now – but try living with her for 25 years! Gogglebox was a breeze as I didn’t really have to do anything. I sat back and let Linda take centre stage, so it was lovely!
Do you follow any traditions?
I wouldn’t say we have a particular tradition, but I love Christmas Day morning when you wake up – it’s like time stands still. You feel like you should be doing something, but you haven’t got to. We put on the telly and some festive songs, and we unwrap presents before starting cooking at midday.
Your stance on Brussels sprouts? I don’t eat them. Absolutely not. Get rid! In the bin!
What’s on your Christmas list? Everyone says I’m the worst person to buy for. If I want something, I’ll go out and get it before anyone else has thought of it. I don’t really know what I want… I think, honestly, a relaxing day off would be nice. What’s been your best ever present?
One of Dan’s [husband Dan Neal] friends once gave me a box, with ‘to the man who’s got everything’ written on it. I opened it up and there was a belly button brush inside.
I like gifts like that.
Have you had any fab freebies? Do you know what? I just don’t do the whole ‘freebies’ thing. In my first year [of stardom] after The X Factor [Rylan finished in fifth place on the 2012 series], everywhere I went people would be like, “Have one of these!” It was amazing, but I don’t like taking things for free. I will always say, “Thank you” – and give it to someone else.
What’s your stance on The X Factor: Celebrity?
A story claimed I’d bragged about turning it down. That’s b*llocks. I couldn’t do it because of work. I’ve moved away from Rylan on The X Factor. I was a national joke on that show! I’d love to go back and do a one-off performance, but I’ve got a career now.