Rylan Clark has credited the Eurovision Song Contest for helping him get over his divorce.
The 34-year-old presenter had to stop covering the annual competition for the BBC in 2021 because he was so devastated by his breakup with Dan Neal.
Rylan suffered a mental health breakdown following his divorce that year from now ex-husband Dan, who he dated for five years.
After the breakdown of his marriage, the TV favorite took a five-month break from the spotlight due to his deteriorating health.
But he said a flight to Italy for last year’s musical extravaganza was just what he needed to get back to himself.
Healing: Rylan Clark, 34, has credited his role in the Eurovision Song Contest with helping him get over his divorce
Split: The TV host and Dan Neal divorced in 2021, causing Rylan to have a mental breakdown
He told the Daily star Zondagskrant: ‘Last year I had to leave the UK for a while and the Eurovision bubble was perfect for that.
“It was what I needed on a personal level. Being there was a full circle moment for me. It was like, ‘I’m back, I’m ready to go’.
‘That’s why Eurovision is so important to me. If you cut me open, it’s there.”
But while Rylan enjoyed flirting with the locals in Italy, he has vowed to behave this year.
He said he won’t be able to “lay around” because he’s more likely to be recognized in Liverpool, where the Eurovision Song Contest takes place next month.
The ‘Supermarket Sweep’ host understands why so many people are passionate about Eurovision because of the way it brings people together for a few hours of ‘escapism’.
In January, Rylan revealed that he finally felt “brilliant” again after his divorce and is now ready to find “the one.”
The presenter said he feels “really good” after moving past the situation that “wasn’t right” in the past, saying: “The clouds parted when I realized I hadn’t lost what I thought I had’.
Here we go! Rylan and Scott Mills were announced as Radio 2’s presenters for the Eurovision Song Contest final on Wednesday morning – while Paddy O’Connell will host the semi-finals
Busy: Rylan will provide TV commentary for the semi-final and host on BBC Two for the final
Happy: The presenter, 34, said he feels “really good” and has left behind the situation that “wasn’t right” in the past, stating: “The clouds parted when I realized I hadn’t lost what I thought I had’
He said, ‘I’m brilliant now. I’m very good. The clouds began to part when I realized I hadn’t lost something I thought I had.
“I turned a situation that I thought was terrible into an opportunity. I was 34 and realized that if something isn’t right, it isn’t right. It wasn’t right.
“Then things started to change. In the past year I have mainly tried to merge my work and professional life and private life more.’
Going on to talk about his hopes for his romantic future, he said, “I would like to be with someone. I would like to share, I am quite a sharer.
“I like to give and take care of people. I haven’t done that for the past year and a half and for the first time I had to go it alone.
“I’m 34 and had never lived on my own in my life.”
Rylan will be commenting on the BBC One semi-finals, which will air on May 9 and 11.
On Wednesday morning, Rylan and Scott Mills were also announced as Radio 2’s presenters for the Eurovision Song Contest final – in a busy week for the two presenters.
The UK will host the 2023 event on behalf of the 2022 winners, Ukraine and the final is on 13 May. Mae Muller is the UK’s entry.
Ryan said: ‘Eurovision is my favorite time of the year, I can’t wait! And I’m so excited and absolutely buzzing to host the Eurovision Grand Final on Radio 2, the biggest and best music event in the world, with my partner-in-crime Scott Mills.
“We can’t wait to bring listeners closer to the action than ever before, with all the fun, excitement and behind-the-scenes gossip of what promises to be an unforgettable night.”
Last Wednesday, Rylan shared a statement on Instagram revealing that he would be leaving Strictly It Takes Two, which he co-hosted with Janette Manrara.