Rylan addresses Rob Rinder romance rumours as he hits out and asks for mum's privacy

Rylan Clark has broken his silence on romance rumours with his co-star Rob Rinder. There has been speculation about the potential of a romance blossoming between the pair since their show Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour premiered on Sunday (May 12) on BBC2.

But Rylan has now shut down the rumours, as he hit out on social media in a bid to protect his mum Linda. Taking to X, the former X Factor star said: "To the journalist that just doorstepped my mum at her house, as polite as you were, please don’t.

"She said you were a lovely man but she’s 71 years old and it makes me feel slightly uncomfortable. The answer is no. I’m not dating Rob Rinder; he’s one of my closest friends. Next time tweet me. Thanks."

Rylan and Rob Rinder are travelling across Italy for their latest BBC show
Rylan and Rob Rinder are travelling across Italy for their latest BBC show -Credit:BBC/Rex TV/Zinc Media/Lana Salah
Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder pose in the Winners Room during the 2024 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises at The Royal Festival Hall on May 12, 2024 in London, England
Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder pose in the Winners Room during the 2024 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises at The Royal Festival Hall on May 12, 2024 in London, England -Credit:Getty Images for BAFTA

It come as the first episode of Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour, saw them open up their past relationships while enjoying a drink in front of a stunning Italian backdrop.

Rylan confided in Rob about the intense period following his divorce, saying: "I think it was a culmination of my marriage breaking down and actually me stopping for the first time in 10 years. Then, all of a sudden, I hit quite a big speed bump instead of carrying on, I just sunk."

Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour
There has been speculation about the potential of a romance blossoming between the pair since their show Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour premiered -Credit:(Image: BBC/Rex TV/Zinc Media/Lana Salah)
Rylan Clark has broken his silence on Rob Rinder romance rumours as the BBC2 star hit out on social media in a bid to protect his mum, Linda, 71,
Rylan Clark has broken his silence on Rob Rinder romance rumours as the BBC2 star hit out on social media in a bid to protect his mum, Linda, 71, -Credit:Rylan Clark Instagram

An emotional Rylan added: "It was the worst experience of my life. I just went on a downward spiral. I tried to end it, I tried to finish myself off. I didn't eat, I went down to 9st. I'm 6ft 4 Rob, like I look horrendous."

Rylan was married to former Big Brother housemate Dan Neal, 44 for six years from 2015 until they split in 2021.

TV judge Rob was also emotional as he later opened up about his own love life woes. He confessed: "I was once so in love when I was in my early twenties, but it wasn't reciprocated. And it never has been."

Rylan responded by saying: "Do you know what, Rob? We're here once, we've been through quite a lot of stuff - what's it taught us? Nothing's forever unless it's right." They then clinked glasses for a toast before Rylan made a quip to lighten the mood as Rob dried his eyes.