Television favourite Rob Rinder has shared a deeply personal heartbreak — announcing the passing of his beloved grandmother, Frances, at the age of 96. The emotional revelation, posted to Instagram on Sunday, left fans moved to tears — and quietly wondering if there’s more behind his touching message than meets the eye.
The Judge Rinder star, 45, poured out his heart in a heartfelt tribute, calling his grandmother “a limitless gift” and praising her “fierce love” for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Alongside tender words, Rob shared a series of intimate photos — one showing them lying together in bed, smiling softly, and another holding hands during her final days.
“She adored me, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with fierce love… What a limitless gift it is to have had her in my life,” he wrote. 💔
In another post, Rob shared a rare vintage photograph of Frances in her youth — standing proudly between two well-dressed men — a glimpse into the vibrant, confident woman she once was. Fans described the image as “timeless” and “a window into love and strength.”
He also expressed deep gratitude to Jewish Care, the organisation that had supported Frances in her later years, writing: “Their kindness was a blessing — she was cared for with dignity and grace until the end.”
💫 Celebrity Friends Send Their Love
Messages of comfort quickly flooded in.
Vanessa Feltz wrote: “Oh Rob, I am so sorry to hear your sad news. I wish you and your family long life and send you my deepest condolences, dear friend.”
Cat Deeley added: “Sending love and thinking of you,” while Ruth Langsford commented: “So sorry for your loss, Rob. How wonderful to have had her — and all that love — in your life for so long.” ❤️
But as fans mourned with him, another story quietly began to unfold — one that has the internet buzzing once again…
❤️ “Rob and Rylan”: Just Friends — or Something More?
The emotional tribute comes just weeks after Rob’s close friendship with Rylan Clark reignited public speculation. The pair’s undeniable chemistry during the promotion of their BBC2 travel series, Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour, has sparked endless discussion online.
During a cheeky appearance on This Morning, Rylan laughed as he recalled their time filming in Italy:
“In Venice, we had separate accommodation. By Rome, I was waking up under him going, ‘Get off me, barrister!’” 😂
The joke instantly set social media alight. Despite both men recently going through high-profile divorces, their connection has seemed stronger than ever — filled with laughter, warmth, and emotional honesty.
Fans were quick to notice:
“Oh, the way Rylan looks at Rob… that’s not just friendship,” one user posted.
“@Rylan and @RobbieRinder — your chemistry is unreal. You two are perfect together!” another added.
Rinder himself fanned the flames when he cryptically posted: “Friendship may — and often does — grow into love.”
Though Rylan later denied any romance — “I am not dating Rob Rinder,” he wrote bluntly on X — many remain unconvinced, especially after seeing their closeness off-screen.
At the 2024 TV BAFTAs, Rob addressed the rumours directly with a smile:
“We’re not a couple. It’s like Rylan said — we’re an old married pair. We argue, we laugh, but there’s no sex involved.” 😅
🌍 A Bond Forged in Grief and Growth
Their BBC2 series, Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour, showed a deeper layer to their friendship — one built on healing, shared loss, and rediscovery. Both men, having endured heartbreak, stepped out of their comfort zones to explore art, history, and identity across Europe.
Rob — the eloquent barrister; Rylan — the sharp, soulful presenter. On paper, opposites. In reality, a perfect balance.
“He made me proud every single day,” Rob admitted during a press appearance.
“This man has become family to me,” Rylan echoed tenderly.
🕯️ A Farewell… and a Beginning?
As Rob says goodbye to his beloved grandmother — the woman he calls “the heart that shaped my world” — fans can’t help but see the parallels between grief, growth, and the new bond that’s come to define his life.
Whether it’s friendship or something deeper, one thing is clear: Rob Rinder is embracing life with courage, compassion, and a heart still full of love. ❤️
