The presenter returned to This Morning on Friday after backlash over his comments on immigration last year
Meghna Amin Screen Time Reporter
10:38, 06 Feb 2026
Rylan Clark has returned to This Morning (Image: ITV)
Rylan Clark has returned to ITV’s This Morning after sparking backlash over comments made last year.
The presenter joined Emma Willis on the ITV daytime programme today, stepping in for Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary who usually host Fridays.
Rylan used to regularly step in but sparked immense outrage for comments he made last year over immigration, which led to him releasing a statement.
On This Morning last August, during a discussion over mass deportation plans proposed by Nigel Farage – who said he would deport hundreds of thousands illegal migrants over five years if he were to come into power – Rylan revealed his own thoughts on immigration.
Rylan and Emma reunited on This Morning today (Image: ITV)
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The former X Factor star said that although immigration has been a key part of this country’s history, culture and the building of its society and how doctors who are immigrants helped to save his mum’s life, he thinks there needs to be a policy to stop small boats crossing the Channel.
He said: “[The UK] is built on immigration. Legal immigration — a lot of the nurses, the doctors that have saved my mum’s life, have come over here from other countries. They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.”
He went on: “I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel.
“And when they get here, it does seem, and I think this is why a lot of Labour voters as well are saying there’s something wrong, it feels like, ‘Welcome, come on in’. That’s the narrative we’re being fed.”
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary usually host This Morning together on Fridays (Image: ITV)
Rylan went on to claim asylum seekers are given an iPad, saying: “Here’s the iPad. Here’s the NHS in reception of your hotel. Here’s three meals a day. Here’s a games room in the hotel. Have a lovely time and welcome.”
He continued: “There are people that have lived here all their lives that are struggling. They’re homeless. Let’s not even discuss our homeless. There are people living on the streets, veterans, all of this.”
Fury over his comments led to 702 Ofcom complaints, and Rylan appeared to be absent from This Morning for weeks following.
He’s now returned to the new studio alongside co-host Emma Willis, as they opened the show on Friday: “Hello and welcome to your Friday’s This Morning.”
Rylan received backlash from viewers after his comments on immigration, he later released a statement on Instagram (Image: ITV)
The pair enjoyed a hug together as they commented how nice it was to be hosting with one another, with Emma saying: “This is nice, isn’t it, back together.”
“It’s our first time in the new studio,” Rylan added, referencing the ITV daytime changes which took place at the start of this year.
He added: “It’s really bizarre, you’re getting ready and then all of a sudden there’s a Sunetra Sarker… do you know what I mean? Walked into Kaye Adam’s dressing room, what am I like?”
“He’s going rogue,” Emma quipped, as Rylan continued to viewers: “It’s lovely to have your company, we’ve got lots coming up for you,” before running through the day’s agenda.
Viewers praised the two presenters onscreen together (Image: ITV)
Viewers were delighted to see them onscreen together, with one writing: “So so pleased to see Rylan back on the programme this morning and a great pairing with Emma.”
“Rylan and Emma are brilliant,” another echoed, as another said: “Yay… good to see Rylan and Emma.”
“Rylan and Emma are the best presenters,” another echoed.
Someone else said: “Rylan and Emma! Are the producers finally listening to the viewers?”
Rylan’s comments last year sparked hundreds of complaints (Image: ITV)
Following the outrage over his comments last year, Rylan doubled down in a statement on Instagram, in which he said: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes.
“You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. The list continues.
“Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.”
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
