Rylan Clark quits Strictly Come Dancing’s It Takes Two after four years

"It's time"

X-Factor star Rylan Clark has quit Strictly Come Dancing's It Takes Two after four years of co-presenting. He announced the news this morning on his Instagram account and said it was time for him to "hang up my glittery jacket". His statement read: "After four fantastic years it’s time for me to hang up my glittery jacket and say goodbye to It Takes Two.

"I’ve had the best time hosting the show alongside Janette and Zoe and I can’t thank the amazing team enough for always putting on a great show.

"‘I’ve been welcomed into the Strictly family and will firmly hold that title dear to me. "The time has come for me to pass on the baton to someone else and explore what else life has for me.

"Thank you Strictly, you will always have my heart… and dancing feet.’

BBC Unscripted director, Kate Phillips said: "On behalf of BBC Two, BBC Daytime, and Strictly fans everywhere, I want to thank Rylan for entertaining audiences so brilliantly for the past four years on Strictly It Takes Two.

"Rylan’s infectious personality, his stand-out sass and his genuine love for all the glitz and glamour of the ballroom, has been a big part of It Takes Two’s continued success."

The new replacement for Rylan will be announced in the coming months. The BBC said the new series of Strictly is expected to start in September so we hope we'll know well before then.

Related links:

• Rylan Clark was hospitalised with two heart failures after marriage breakdown.

• Maisie Smith and Max George trolled for fake pregnancy announcement.

• Strictly star Katya Jones breaks her silence on ex Neil Jones’ baby news.

• Strictly's Janette Manrara pregnant with her first child.