Rylan Clark has opened up like never before about his high-profile divorce from ex-husband Dan Neal, revealing the personal toll and surprising reflections on his past mistakes. The TV presenter and BBC Radio 2 host appeared on ITV’s The Assembly on Sunday (May 24), a show where autistic, neurodivergent, and learning-disabled audience members get to ask celebrities pressing questions.
Confronted About Infidelity
Early in the episode, Rylan faced a direct question about his marriage. Audience member Cameron asked: “When you told your husband you cheated on him, he divorced you. Is honesty always the best policy?”
Rylan didn’t shy away. “Yeah, I think it is. I’m OK with admitting when I’m in the wrong. I don’t deal well with guilt and I don’t deal well with secrets,” he admitted, opening a rare window into his personal struggles.
Rylan was asked about his marriage on The Assembly (Credit: ITV)
He went on to reveal the emotional impact of the split: “It made me so ill… and it might sound terrible to say, but I’m glad it happened.”
Meanwhile, Rylan admitted he doesn’t regret how his first marriage ended (Credit: ITV)
Reflecting on What He Misses
When asked what he misses most about Dan, Rylan paused before confessing: “You know, I never think about him.”
He elaborated, reflecting on the illusion of having it all: “I miss feeling like, ‘I’ve got it all.’ I thought I had life done. I’ve got the job, I’ve got the family, I’ve got the marriage, I’ve got the car, I’ve got the house. I thought I had it sussed… I didn’t have anything sussed.”
Despite the painful lessons, Rylan insisted: “I didn’t know what was a real relationship. And, I can look back and know that I don’t regret anything.”
A New Chapter
Since his split from Dan Neal, Rylan has moved on with fairground director Kennedy Bates. The couple went public in January after a romantic getaway to Italy, marking a fresh start for the star after years of personal turmoil.
Rylan’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the complex realities behind celebrity marriages, showing honesty, growth, and the courage to embrace life’s unexpected turns.
