Rylan Clark-neal: ‘I might do Strictly with Tess and Claudia!’
Rylan Clark-neal reveals his hopes for the future and why he might take to the ballroom floor
Rylan Clark-neal is renowned for his sparkling white teeth and infectious personality, having presented several shows from This Morning to Strictly: It Takes Two.
But since making it to the final of Celebrity Masterchef in 2015, the 32-year-old TV host has also become well-known for his love of cooking. Now presenting Ready Steady Cook, Rylan reveals to Woman’s Own how he stays so trim, despite being surrounded by food, plus how he’s found lockdown in Essex with his husband Dan, and why his outlook on life has changed...
Hi, Rylan, are you relieved to be working during lockdown?
Oh, my God, majorly. This whole year has been tough for everyone, but I have been so fortunate to still do my job in some capacity. I am doing Radio 2 from a studio I’ve set up at my home. It does feel a bit strange [to be] presenting it sat in my pants, though!
Has the past year’s pandemic changed your outlook on life?
I feel so lucky to have a nice house [and a] garden and, every day – even more so in lockdown – I have had a chance to think about what I’ve done, and I am always so grateful. Everyone asks, ‘Why do you think you have done so well?’ and I don’t think it is to do with talent. I have learnt on the job.
So you haven’t taken up the hobby of eating, then – like everyone else?
Oh, no, I eat terribly – I am like Mcdonald’s’ official sponsor! [But] I am 20ft tall – I’m a lanky b ***** d – [and] I am one of those people [who is] always on the go, doing something, so that’s how I get away with being a terrible eater.
You’re back hosting Ready Steady Cook. Have you had to make changes because of the pandemic?
It’s great to be back doing Ready Steady Cook. We’ve changed a few things, as the audience used to vote for which team they liked best. We don’t have an audience now, so the three chefs who aren’t cooking cast a vote from the chef’s table and it’s proved a lovely addition. There’s lots of banter between us.
Do you get to try the dishes?
Last year, I got to try everything – not the fish, though, as I can’t stand fish – but this year we are Covid-secure, so only the contestant who made it can try it. It has been absolute torture!
Have you gone home, buzzing with new tips, to cook for your husband Dan?
Yes, I’ve picked up loads of stuff, like grating an onion rather than chopping it, to save on prep time. I do like cooking and, ever since I was a runner-up on Masterchef a few years ago, my family take the p**s out of me and say, ‘Come on, Masterchef, you do it!’
And finally, would you ever sign up for Strictly Come Dancing?
I don’t think it would be fair if I went on Strictly now I’m a host, but there is always chatter of a Christmas special with me, Zoe Ball, Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman and Gethin Jones. That is the only way you would get me on the dance floor! ● Ready Steady Cook begins on 1 March, on BBC1 weekdays at 3.45pm, and will be available on BBC iplayer
‘There is always chatter of a Christmas special…’