Rylan hits back at haters after his debut on Strictly’s It Takes Two

Rylan Clark-Neal has hit back at haters after his debut on Strictly Come Dancing’s spin-off It Takes Two.

For 2019, Strictly superfan Rylan is presenting the popular teatime show alongside regular host Zoe Ball.

Rylan will host on Mondays and Tuesdays, with Zoe returning to host Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Both Zoe and Rylan will present It Take Two’s hour-long special on Fridays, filmed in front of a live studio audience and joined by extra special guests.

The first episode aired last night with Rylan making his debut alongside Zoe for a special opening show.

But not everyone was won over by the X Factor singer and Celebrity Big Brother winner turned TV presenter.

After receiving negative comments on social media, Rylan responded: “Just to clear something up. Zoe does NOT need a co host. We are splitting duties as she has her breakfast show.

“Here for everyone’s opinion. Thanks for the nicer comments.”

Fans of Rylan’s were quick to jump to his defence.

One wrote: “Screw ’em, @Rylan. You’re in a job that you love and are making more money then them. Let the haters live their miserable life, while you keep smashing it ??”

Speaking about signing up for the show, Rylan said recently: “I’ve watched Strictly every single year. I think the only year I didn’t watch it was when I was on X Factor! I was a bit busy in 2012! But apart from that, I’ve always watched it. When my telly mum Ruth was on the show, I came down to support her.

“Strictly is a MACHINE, it’s a beast! It’s the biggest show on television, I was thrilled I was allowed to come to watch the show – let alone work on it! It’s a massive honour.”

He added: “Originally I thought they were asking me to be a contestant – I thought ‘no, I’m not doing it. I can’t go back into a competition!’

“But when they said it was presenting I had to ring Zoe to make sure I wasn’t taking her job! She said ‘no, I’m cutting my time back a bit – I want you to do it!'”

Due to the 2019 World Athletics Championships, It Takes Two will air on BBC One for the first two weeks at a slightly earlier time of 5.15pm, before returning to its home on BBC Two 6.30pm Monday –Thursday and 6pm Fridays.