In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the UK television industry, Rylan Clark, the beloved presenter on ITV’s This Morning, has publicly expressed his fury and heartbreak over what he describes as a “surprising act of betrayal” by colleagues he once considered “like my own family.” On September 3, 2025, during an emotional interview on his BBC Radio 2 show, the 36-year-old star didn’t hold back, branding some of his This Morning co-workers as “complete jerks” and revealing the deep sense of hurt caused by their actions. The revelation, which came amid an already turbulent period for Clark following controversial comments about immigration, has sparked widespread speculation about the nature of the betrayal and the behind-the-scenes dynamics at one of Britain’s most-watched daytime shows. As fans rally around him, the full reason behind Clark’s anger points to a breach of trust that has left him questioning his place in the industry he’s called home for over a decade.

Rylan Clark, born Ross Richard Clark in 1988, first captured the nation’s attention as a flamboyant contestant on The X Factor in 2012, where his larger-than-life personality and camp charisma won hearts despite finishing fifth. His victory on Celebrity Big Brother in 2013 catapulted him into the presenting world, leading to roles on This Morning, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two, Supermarket Sweep, and BBC Radio 2. Known for his warmth, quick wit, and genuine kindness, Clark has built a reputation as a presenter who connects effortlessly with audiences and colleagues alike. His close relationships with co-stars like Ruth Langsford, Alison Hammond, and Rob Rinder have been a cornerstone of his public image, often described as familial. So, when Clark revealed that some of these trusted colleagues had betrayed him, the news sent shockwaves through his fanbase and the media.

The betrayal, as Clark detailed during his radio show, stemmed from a leaked private conversation that was meant to remain confidential. According to Clark, he had confided in a small group of This Morning colleagues about personal struggles following his controversial immigration comments in August 2025. Those remarks, made during a discussion about Nigel Farage’s mass deportation plans, had sparked fierce backlash, with Clark claiming asylum seekers were given preferential treatment over British citizens, including being housed in “four-star hotels” with “iPads and phones.” The comments, which he later clarified on social media, led to accusations of spreading misinformation and prompted him to take a brief hiatus from the show. During this vulnerable time, Clark turned to his inner circle at This Morning for support, sharing his fears about losing his career and the emotional toll of public scrutiny.

However, Clark was blindsided when details of this private conversation were leaked to a tabloid, published on September 1, 2025, under a sensational headline that painted him as “spiraling” and “desperate to save his image.” The article included intimate details about his mental health struggles and his concerns about being “canceled,” which Clark says were twisted to portray him as unstable. “I believed they were like my own family,” he said on his radio show, his voice cracking with emotion. “I told them things I wouldn’t even tell my mum, and they went and sold it to the press. They’re complete jerks for that. I’m angry, yeah, but more than that, I’m hurt. I trusted them.” The betrayal cut deep for Clark, who has been open about his mental health challenges, including a breakdown in 2021 following his divorce from ex-husband Dan Neal.

The leaked story, which Clark refused to name directly but alluded to as “that rag,” reportedly came from a trusted colleague or colleagues within the This Morning production team. While he stopped short of naming individuals, speculation has swirled about who might be responsible. Fans on social media platforms like X have pointed fingers at various figures, though no evidence confirms specific culprits. Some have suggested tensions with newer hosts like Cat Deeley or Ben Shephard, who took over as main presenters in 2024, while others believe the leak could have come from a producer or crew member. Clark’s comments about “entitled people” in the industry, made in a 2024 interview with The Mirror, resurfaced amid the scandal, where he criticized colleagues who “talk to people like s**t” and act as if they’re “something special.” This has fueled theories that the betrayal may be linked to longstanding professional rivalries.

The timing of the incident couldn’t have been worse for Clark, who was already navigating fallout from his immigration comments. Those remarks, made during a This Morning segment on August 27, 2025, had divided viewers. While Clark praised legal immigration, crediting immigrant NHS workers with saving his mother Linda’s life, he criticized illegal Channel crossings, claiming they created a narrative of “welcome, come on in.” The backlash was swift, with some accusing him of perpetuating stereotypes about asylum seekers. Clark defended himself on Instagram, writing, “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes. Stop putting everyone in a box.” Despite support from co-stars like Josie Gibson and Rob Rinder, the controversy left him vulnerable, making the subsequent betrayal even more devastating.

Clark’s fans have rallied around him, flooding social media with messages of support. On X, hashtags like #StandWithRylan and #ThisMorningBetrayal trended, with users praising his authenticity and condemning the leak. “Rylan is the realest person on TV. Shame on whoever betrayed him,” one fan wrote. Another added, “He’s been through enough. This Morning needs to clean house.” The outpouring of love reflects Clark’s unique ability to connect with audiences, a trait that has made him a staple on British television. His reputation for kindness—evident in stories of him supporting runners and lower-wage staff on sets—has only strengthened his fanbase’s loyalty.

The incident has also reignited discussions about the toxic underbelly of the TV industry. Clark’s comments echo his earlier criticisms of showbiz, where he’s described encountering “a***holes” who mistreat others. In a 2022 Guardian interview, he spoke about learning “the hard way” how some colleagues treated him as a reality TV contestant, revealing a culture of entitlement that persists. The leak of his private conversation suggests a deeper issue of trust and professionalism at This Morning, a show already marred by controversies, including the 2023 Phillip Schofield scandal. Insiders suggest that Clark’s outspokenness may have made him a target, as his willingness to call out bad behavior has ruffled feathers in the past.

Despite the betrayal, Clark remains defiant. On his radio show, he vowed to continue being his authentic self, saying, “I’ve always been nice to people, and I’m not gonna change that now. But I’m done trusting everyone. Lesson learned.” He also hinted at taking a step back from This Morning, confirming on August 29, 2025, that it was his “last day” hosting for the summer, though he’s expected to return as a relief presenter. His decision has sparked speculation about whether he’ll distance himself from the show permanently, especially as he juggles other projects like his BBC Radio 2 show and the reality series Dating Naked UK.

The betrayal has also prompted Clark to lean on his true allies, including his mother, Linda, and close friends like Rob Rinder. Rinder, who co-hosted Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour in 2024, publicly supported Clark, commenting on his Instagram post about the immigration controversy, “Proud of you, mate.” Clark’s relationship with his mother, a fan favorite for her humorous appearances on his shows, has been a source of strength. He recently canceled work commitments to be by Linda’s side during her hospitalization in August 2025, underscoring his family-first values.

As Clark navigates this painful chapter, the incident raises broader questions about privacy and loyalty in the entertainment world. For a presenter who has built his career on authenticity—sharing everything from his 2021 breakdown to his new relationship with a Leicestershire funfair employee named Kennedy in 2025—the betrayal feels deeply personal. “I’ve given so much of myself to this industry,” he said on air. “To have that thrown back in my face hurts more than I can say.”

The This Morning team has yet to issue an official statement, but sources suggest an internal investigation is underway to identify the source of the leak. Meanwhile, Clark’s resilience shines through. His fans, who have followed him from his X Factor days to his current status as a national treasure, are confident he’ll emerge stronger. As one supporter wrote on X, “Rylan’s been through worse and come out on top. These jerks don’t know who they’re messing with.”

For now, Clark is focusing on his upcoming projects, including a potential new TV venture with Ruth Langsford, whom he affectionately calls his “TV mum.” Their chemistry, evident in past This Morning episodes, has fans clamoring for a joint show. As he rebuilds trust and moves forward, Clark’s story serves as a reminder of the cost of fame and the strength it takes to rise above betrayal. In a world of “complete jerks,” Rylan Clark remains a beacon of authenticity, proving that even in the face of heartbreak, his light refuses to dim.