Rylan Clark says 'I love him' as he addresses Rob Rinder relationship

Rylan Clark has confessed his deep affection for Rob Rinder, as he opened up about their blossoming friendship. The former X Factor star, 36, entered his TV series with 47-year-old Rob as mere "acquaintances", but they emerged as mates.

Their bond has only grown stronger since filming the first series of Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour, where they candidly discussed their respective relationship breakdowns while journeying through Italy.

Rylan revealed that by the end of the series, they had become "best friends". Their latest series, A Passage to India, has only solidified this friendship, according to Rylan.

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Their on-screen chemistry sparked whispers of a potential romance. However, despite BBC Radio 2 presenter Rylan confessing his "loves" for Rob, he highlighted one obstacle if they were to become an item.

In a chat with Bella, he shared: "We went into Grand Tour as acquaintances and left as friends. We've gone into A Passage to India as best friends and left as best friends."

Hinting at their relationship, Rylan added: "Much as I love him, Rob isn't my boyfriend. I love him too much to marry him."

Recently, Rylan publicly introduced his new beau Kennedy Bates. The couple reportedly put on a cosy display at BBC Radio 2 In The Park in Chelmsford last weekend.

A spectator told The Sun: "Rylan and his new man looked seriously in love, they were having a great time together in the VIP.

"They were laughing and joking, and there was lots of PDA. At one point, Rylan playfully smacked Kennedy on the bum when he headed off while his boyfriend stood in the queue for food. Kennedy was also chatting to Rylan's mum, Linda; he's clearly been accepted by the family."

Rylan's fresh romance is believed to be his first meaningful relationship following his separation from husband Dan Neal in 2021.

The presenter revealed he was dating again after being pressed to share his joyful news during his radio programme.

Whilst discussing an episode of his podcast How To Be in Love where Rylan featured a segment of him asking Louis Theroux about meeting his spouse, colleague Lottie questioned whether he had any personal updates to reveal.

This led the television star to admit he had been romantically involved with someone.

Initially, Rylan was reluctant to disclose that he was no longer unattached, remarking: "I might have said that I'm... it feels weird saying it on the radio!".

Lottie then acknowledged that she and the team had encountered Rylan's new partner, describing him as "lovely."

Rylan subsequently confirmed that Kennedy was the first gentleman he had brought home to meet his relatives since Dan. He even disclosed that the pair have talked about their shared future.