Rylan Clark 'confirms' reason for BBC Radio 2 absence with five-word update from pal's Instagram account

Rylan Clark's fans are hoping he's 'confirmed' the reason for his absence from his BBC Radio 2 show as he gave a five-word update - from his famous pal's Instagram account.

Listeners of the station will know that the 36-year-old took over Zoe Ball’s Saturday afternoon slot on Radio 2 when she moved to present the station’s breakfast show in 2019. But last Saturday (November 2), he was nowhere to be seen - or should we say heard - as he embarked on a break.

While it wasn't made clear where Rylan is or exactly when he will be back, former BBC Radio 1 star Nick Grimshaw confirmed he'd been taking over and listeners would hear him on and off over the next couple of months.

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Now, Rylan has excited fans with a social media post from his friend and fellow TV star Rob Rinder's social media account. The pair's friendship is one much loved among their respective followers after they joined forces earlier this year.

Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour aired earlier this year on BBC2 and saw the pair take viewers along to some of Italy's greatest art treasures in destinations such as Venice, Florence and Rome as they followed in the footsteps of 19th-century romantic poet Lord Byron and other Grand Tourists.

Rylan has since confirmed that he and Rob will be teaming up again for a new TV show following the success of their Italian adventure. Taking to Instagram at the start of October, Rylan shared a beaming selfie of the pair and said: "So excited we’re back for season 2 and this time we’re off to INDIA. Bumped into each other yesterday and this is how excited we are. Thank you everyone that watched our show and we can’t wait until we get going for S2." He then jokingly promised: "I’ll try not to kill him."

Now, Rylan has shared a new selfie to Rob's Instagram account, alongside which he wrote: "He’s left his phone unlocked." Rob then posted in the comments, writing: "OMG! #hatecrime #thief."

But their fans and followers were quick to flood the pair with comments about a new series. @chrisbaileyphotographer asked: "NEW SERIES?" @1973wrightstuff commented: "Yes!!!! I knew you were together filming, missing Saturday radio slot for time with Rob." @cambocarombo wrote: "This is hilarious!!! Love you guys on tv." @bookishmummainacrisis76 replied: "Rob and Rylan - the duo we really need!" @pikeellie added: "Bet you both having a hilarious time together."