Rylan Clark-Neal has admitted he feels a bit like an “impostor” after he was chosen to co-host ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ spin-off ‘It Takes Two’.
The former ‘Big Brother’s Bit On The Side’ can’t believe he’s joining Zoe Ball on the show when it returns later this year, and admitted he fears he’s not worthy enough for the job and that he was picked by mistake.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, he said:
“It’s full-on impostor syndrome.
“I was like ‘Are you sure they’ve rung the right person? They don’t think I’m someone else?’
“I genuinely thought I’d turn up for work and they’d be like ‘Hi Rylan, are you OK? Are you lost?'”
The 30-year-old presenter also admitted that there is “nothing better” than his critics realising he’s “actually all right” after “slating” him.
He said:
“There’s nothing better than getting announced you’re doing a job, people slating you, then you do a job and having people go ‘he’s actually all right’.
“At the beginning it felt like a fight, but nowadays I actually expect it — and I sort of thrive on it a bit.”
The former ‘X Factor’ contestant also opened up about being bullied as a child for being gay.
He recalled:
“I was probably about 13 or 14.
“I got pulled from a rope swing and some boy kicked me in the head and fractured my skull. It was a horrible time.”
Rylan – who is married to former police officer Dan Neal – credits being bullied for his thicker skin and being straight-talking and able to stand up for himself.
He added:
“I just got to a point where I thought ‘f***k off’, if anyone said anything to me I’d give it to them straight back.”
Meanwhile, Ryan recently admitted he’s looking forward to bringing a lot of “mischief” to the BBC One celebrity dance show.
He said:
“I can’t begin to explain how excited I am to be joining the Strictly family. I’ve always been a massive fan of ‘It Takes Two’ and to be working with the amazing Zoe Ball is a dream.
“I’m extremely honoured to be joining such a television institution and can’t wait to bring a lot of mischief to the Strictly bubble. I’m looking forward to getting started and seeing you all soon.”
DJ Zoe, 48, thinks Rylan is the perfect presenter to bring on board.
She gushed:
“I adore Rylan, he’s an absolute wonder, I love his daftness and naughtiness and he’s a brilliant live telly host. He’ll fit right into our ‘It Takes Two’ family. Can’t wait for this new season to start, it’s going be a hoot!”
‘It Takes Two’ will return to TV on weeknights in the autumn.