Rylan Clark, the charismatic presenter and former Big Brother winner, has opened up about a surprising personal change: he hasn’t worn fake tan in over six months and has never felt more liberated. At 37, the BBC Radio 2 personality is famous for his love of a flawless bronzed glow, even confessing to spending hundreds of pounds shipping his favorite fake tan to India while filming the documentary series, Rob and Rylan’s Passage to India, with close friend Rob Rinder.
But now, Rylan has taken a break from his signature look. Speaking on his Rylan on Saturday show, he revealed that his cherished fake tan hasn’t touched his skin since July last year. The change has had unexpected benefits: “My bedsheets are white again,” he joked, adding that his boyfriend, Kennedy Bates—whom he began dating last year—is thrilled by the switch.
Though Rylan is enjoying his faux-tan-free lifestyle, he remains open to returning to it someday. “Never say never,” he said. “There might be certain occasions where a bit of fake tan comes back into play.”
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The journey behind this transformation began during Rylan and Rob’s adventure in India. The duo retraced the path of writer E.M. Forster, author of A Passage to India, immersing themselves in the rich culture and challenges of the country. Filming in Delhi, a dynamic city of over 34 million residents, pushed Rylan far beyond his comfort zone.
“I was worried about everything,” Rylan admitted. From heat and illness warnings to an unfortunate mosquito bite upon arrival that left his cheek swollen, his early days in India were filled with challenges. One particularly difficult moment came in Jaipur when Rylan discovered his precious fake tan had leaked all over his belongings.
“I was going to fly home,” he laughed, recalling the panic. With no local options available, he resorted to an expensive courier service—costing £400—to get his preferred St Tropez Bronzing Mousse shipped from London.
Rob Rinder, 47, affectionately described Rylan’s habits as testing his patience during their travels. “I feel like I’m the benevolent headmistress of a school for excluded children,” he joked, underscoring the humorous dynamic between the friends.
Despite the ups and downs, their friendship has only strengthened. From acquaintances on Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour to best friends during Passage to India, their bond is evident.
Since rising to fame on The X Factor in 2012 and winning Celebrity Big Brother, Rylan has become a beloved television and radio personality, hosting shows like Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, The Xtra Factor, and his current BBC Radio 2 program, which launched in 2019. Now, embracing a tan-free chapter, Rylan continues to surprise and inspire his fans with his authenticity and charm.