TV

Rylan Clark-Neal hits back at backlash over Strictly: It Takes Two debut

He presented alongside Zoe Ball

Rylan Clark-Neal made his Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two debut last night alongside Zoe Ball.

However, the presenter was forced to hit back at trolls who questioned why he had joined the spin-off show.

While many expressed their delight to have Rylan on the show, others took to Twitter to ask why Zoe needed a co-host.

Rylan Clark-Neal and Zoe Ball
Rylan made his debut last night (Credit: BBC)

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One person wrote: “I still don’t understand why It Takes Two needs two presenters. I love Rylan but does the show need the two presenters?”

Another said: “I personally think Strictly: It Takes Two was awesome when it was just @ZoeTheBall, she is awesome and funny and loved watching it!

“Not sure what Rylan adds! I will not watch on his days! Don’t find him funny or entertaining to watch.”

A third tweeted: “It takes two ruined with unnecessary addition of @Rylan. Certainly won’t be watching when he’s hosting alone.”

Rylan then hit back at the criticism on his Twitter.

He said: “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.”

Many praised Rylan, with one writing: “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. (sic)”

Another said: “You both were brilliant. Loved the combination of you and realise Zoe can’t do everything but you are a fabulous addition to the #Strictly family.”

Before his debut on the show, Rylan admitted he was planning to “just sit there and look at” 48-year-old star, Zoe.

He told Bella magazine: “Literally, it will be the easiest job I’ll ever do. I can just sit there and look at Zoe. She’s a pro.

“We haven’t spent a lot of time together but I think she’s brilliant. I took over her show on Radio 2 when she moved to breakfast, so it feels really right that this has happened as well. It’s crazy how the world works.”

Rylan Clark-Neal
Rylan admitted he was planning to “just sit there and look at” Zoe (Credit: BBC)

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Zoe added: “We’ve not done anything together yet, so I don’t know how it’ll play out. When you get a new telly husband or wife, you have to get used to their patterns, when to interject.

Rylan will present the show on Monday and Tuesdays, and co-host with Zoe on Fridays.

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Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)