Eamonn Holmes couldn’t resist poking fun at Rylan Clark-Neal’s upcoming ‘break’ from This Morning earlier today.
The cheeky Northern Irishman, 58, jokingly asked Rylan if he was leaving voluntarily or whether he’d been sacked following last week’s news he won’t be on screen for a while.
Mean!
Rylan joined Eamonn and Ruth Langsford on Monday’s show for his usual showbiz slot, prompting Eamonn to point out: “Four more sleeps until you’re history!”
“I’m not history!” argued Rylan. “I’m having a little break!”
Read more: Holly Willoughby swaps This Morning wardrobe for cosy Christmas look
Eamonn replied: “Are you going or were you sacked?”
Laughing, Rylan played along with the joke: “I’ve been sacked! I’ve had too many complaints that my teeth are giving too much of a glare in the morning.
“They said, ‘Give him to Lorraine!'”
Eamonn assured Rylan he’d start a petition to get him back soon!
Of course, we all know Rylan’s NOT been sacked! He’s just taking some time away from This Morning in the New Year to focus on other projects.
Breaking the news of his temporary exit last week, Rylan said: “I’ve not really said anything but after Christmas I will be going away for a little bit, taking a bit of a break.
“It’s definitely not goodbye but I will be taking a bit of a break for a little bit in the New Year.
“Thank you for everything, it’s been lovely and I will be back.”
Viewer reaction to the news was mixed, with some comparing Rylan’s departure to an early Christmas present, while others begged him to stay on.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.