This Morning: Rylan Clarke says he's 'going to collapse'
Rylan Clark has candidly admitted that the name 'Rylan' is merely a television alter-ego he's adopted for a decade.
The former X Factor star, 35, is well known for his vibrant TV presence - but some fans may not know that his real name is Ross Richard.
He initially went by the name Kielan during his modelling career, but later chose Rylan after an inspired visit to WH Smith led him to peruse the 'R' section in a baby name book.
On the High Performance podcast with Jake Humphrey and Professor Damian Hughes, Rylan discussed his life beyond the sparkle of showbiz, reports the Mirror.
Jake began: "I've read your book and it's absolutely fascinating. You've got chapters where you say Ross meets Rylan and Rylan meets Ross. So the first thing is who are we talking to today?"
Rylan queried: "Who do you want?" Jake then responded: "I think we want to speak to Ross."
He then asked: "So is it that easy for you to switch."
Rylan confirmed: "Yes absolutely. Of course it is, it's what I've done for ten years so I know how to differentiate the two. After what I have been through with divorce and stuff like that I thought it was about time I got more in touch with the person I really am."
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Curious, Jake inquired: "So who is Ross?" Rylan then revealed: "Just a normal boy. Normal little Stepney Green kid, who managed to do alright for himself."
He explained: "Rylan is obviously all teeth, tan and tight skinny jeans. That's Rylan, but Ross is in a tracksuit and has a beer in his hand."
On which persona is more content, he divulged: "Rylan. Rylan is the happiest 100% because he has got to be, he is paid to be happy. I think for Ross, I don't think I will ever be happy until I feel comfortable and I think Rylan is very comfortable with where he is and I'm grateful and that spills over to the real me Ross, it means I can live in a nice house."
He continued: "On a more ungrateful term, it's not just about that for Ross. You know I would like to be with someone and I'd like to share and for the past year and a half I've been not doing that and for the first time Ross has had to be on his own and I've never been alone."
Rylan opened up saying: "So coming to terms with being alone and getting to know the real me has actually been the best thing that could have happened."
Listen to the whole chat on The High Performance Podcast.
