Rylan forced to pull out of BBC Radio 2 show amid health issue as Strictly star is drafted in last minute

RYLAN Clark pulled out of his BBC Radio 2 show yesterday as a Strictly Come Dancing contestant stepped in to replace him.

TV favourite Rylan’s Saturday show on the station is much-loved by listeners but his voice was missing from the airwaves this weekend due to illness.

Rylan Clark at a radio station after an extended break. — Rylan Clark missed his BBC Radio 2 show yesterday after falling ill

Richie Anderson on Radio 2. — Stand-in Richie Anderson went down a stormCredit: BBC

Richie Anderson was the capable person who stepped in at the last minute and was thanked for doing so by the absent host.

Richie said on air: “The reason I’m in is because Rylan’s got the sniffles, apparently.

“However, our listeners disagree because he’s been spotted a lot out and about this week.”

Kate from St Ives, Cornwall wrote in: “I saw Rylan on a nudist beach in Cornwall. And his teeth aren’t the only thing that’s massive. He also has very large feet.”

Another listener said they’d spotted him in Conwy trying to wash cars stopped at traffic lights, while another claimed he’d been in a paint factory in Milton Keynes.

The clip was posted on Instagram and Rylan commented “Lies”, before thanking fans for wishing him better.

Other listeners want Richie, who played sidekick to Zoe Ball on the breakfast show, to get his own show.

One wrote: “Radio 2, come on now, give Richie his own show, he’s fab! Would have been great in the weekend morning slots or weekday afternoons.”

Another said: “Love Richie. He needs to be given a show!”

A third wrote: “Was a brilliant show today. Well done Richie – miss you at breakfast.”

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Strictly 2022 star Richie announced his exit from the breakfast show in December, shortly after Ball revealed her decision to leave.

He said: “I have had the most amazing six years on this show. It has been so much fun, and I have loved every single second of it.

“It has been so amazing to come here and be accepted by you (Zoe), Tina (Daheley) and the producers.”

He added of Zoe: “I remember when I met Zoe for the first time in the dressing room at It Takes Two, she came in with hugs and it was like I’d known you forever and you have been the most amazing friend.”

Richie currently presents the travel news on the station on weekday afternoons.