This Morning viewers bade a temporary farewell to Rylan Clark-Neal on Friday, as he hosted his final showbiz slot before taking a break.
And in typical Rylan style, he kept all eyes on him with a surprise goodbye statement!
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Confirming he would indeed return in the New Year, the star quipped: “I’m like an STD. I’ll always come back!”
Cue shocked looks from Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes!
Viewers, however, loved it!
The presenter has announced he’s taking some time away from the daytime show in the New Year – and naturally his on-screen “mum and dad” wanted to give him a good send off.
Eamonn kicked off This Morning by joking: “It really is happy today as Rylan is leaving!”
Wife Ruth told him off – but couldn’t resist a joke of her own!
“He’s not leaving,” she said. “He’s just going off on a little break. We would never let him leave. How would we light the studio without his teeth?”
Oh, Ruth!
Later on, introducing Rylan’s showbiz slot, Eamonn noted: “He’s a bit serious today. Are you getting emotional?”
“Stop it!” said Rylan. “Leave it!”
He added: “It’s not forever. You have to look out for yourself, don’t you? So I’m taking a bit of time away. I’ll be sitting at home in my pants!”
At the end of the show, the whole This Morning team decamped to their local pub for an interview with Pub Landlord Al Murray.
Joining Rylan at the bar, Eamonn jokingly called the segment “Rylan’s going away drinks” and led the pub in a “hip hip hooray” for the departing star.
Ruth said: “Rylan, this is our last little drinkie with you for now. All the rumours – he’s not leaving, leaving, he’s just taking a break. Everyone wants to work with Rylan and he’ll be coming back.”
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While we’re losing Rylan, albeit temporarily, in the New Year, we are welcoming a new member to the This Morning team, as Queen of the Jungle Toff is coming on board for a secret new segment.
All will be revealed in January!
We can’t wait!