The TV presenter reunited with Emma Willis on ITV’s This Morning months after his immigration comments in August triggered 702 Ofcom complaints — and colleagues were said to be visibly emotional as he walked back into the studio.

Rylan Clark has officially returned to ITV’s This Morning following the controversy that surrounded remarks he made last year.

The popular TV personality appeared alongside Emma Willis on Friday’s edition of the daytime programme, stepping in for regular hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary. While Rylan was once a familiar stand-in face on the show, his absence in recent months followed significant backlash over comments he shared during a heated immigration debate.

During an episode last August, while discussing mass deportation proposals put forward by Nigel Farage — who pledged to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants over five years if elected — Rylan offered his perspective on the issue.

He said: “[The UK] is built on immigration. Legal immigration – a lot of the nurses, the doctors that have saved my mum’s life, have come over here from other countries. They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.”

He added: “I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel.

“And when they get here, it does seem, and I think this is why a lot of Labour voters as well are saying there’s something wrong, it feels like, ‘Welcome, come on in’. That’s the narrative we’re being fed.”

Rylan went on to claim asylum seekers are given an iPad, stating: “Here’s the iPad. Here’s the NHS in reception of your hotel. Here’s three meals a day. Here’s a games room in the hotel. Have a lovely time and welcome.”

He continued: “There are people that have lived here all their lives that are struggling. They’re homeless. Let’s not even discuss our homeless. There are people living on the streets, veterans, all of this.”

The remarks prompted 702 complaints to Ofcom, and Rylan was noticeably absent from the programme in the weeks that followed.

Now, however, he has made his return to the newly refurbished studio, greeting viewers with: “Hello and welcome to your Friday’s This Morning.”

Sources close to the production say the atmosphere behind the scenes was “warm and supportive,” with several colleagues reportedly moved as Rylan stepped back into the spotlight. The reunion with Emma Willis was marked by a warm embrace, with Emma commenting: “This is nice, isn’t it, back together.”

“It’s our first time in the new studio,” Rylan added, referencing the recent ITV daytime refresh.

He also joked about unexpected encounters backstage, saying: “It’s really bizarre, you’re getting ready and then all of a sudden there’s a Sunetra Sarker… do you know what I mean? Walked into Kaye Adam’s dressing room, what am I like?”

“He’s going rogue,” Emma laughed, before Rylan told viewers: “It’s lovely to have your company, we’ve got lots coming up for you,” as he outlined the day’s line-up.

Audiences were quick to react positively online. One viewer wrote: “So so pleased to see Rylan back on the programme this morning and a great pairing with Emma.”

Another added: “Rylan and Emma are brilliant,” while someone else commented: “Yay… good to see Rylan and Emma.”

“Rylan and Emma are the best presenters,” another viewer praised.

One fan even asked: “Rylan and Emma! Are the producers finally listening to the viewers?”

Following last year’s backlash, Rylan addressed the controversy in an Instagram statement, writing: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes.

“You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. The list continues.

“Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/