Born in London, Clark-Neal, 30, came fifth place in The X Factor in 2012; the following year he won Celebrity Big Brother. He went on to become a presenter for Big Brother’s Bit On The Side, The Xtra Factor and This Morning, and was given his own show, Up Late With Rylan, in 2016. He hosts a BBC Radio 2 show, Rylan on Saturday, from 3-6pm. He is married and lives in Essex.
What is your greatest fear?
Being alone.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I am constantly nice to people. Sometimes they don’t deserve it.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
In 2013, I had to do The Wright Stuff on about an hour’s sleep. I was asked, “What do you make of the situation in Mali?” and I said, “Well, I’ve not seen the film but I know the dog dies in the end.” They were talking about the civil war, and the whole audience took an inward breath. I thought, “Should I not have revealed the end of the film?”
Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
A matt grey Range Rover. It’s been rebadged, so instead of Range Rover it says Range Rylan.
What is your most treasured possession?
A glass paperweight made with my nan’s ashes.
What makes you unhappy?
Seeing people who aren’t nice get success.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Because I’ve got veneers, I am always checking to make sure I haven’t got food in my teeth.
To whom would you most like to say sorry and why?
To the British public for my time on X Factor.
What is your favourite word?
Babe, because it gets me out of trouble when I can’t remember someone’s name.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
An architect.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Going home, taking my makeup off and watching reruns of Birds Of A Feather.
What was the best kiss of your life?
The first one I had with my husband Dan in late 2013. I just knew.
Which living person do you most despise and why?
Myself, actually. I am really hard on myself.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
All five Spice Girls.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
To 2005, to the summer when I’d just finished school.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Anonymity. I am not being ungrateful, and I love meeting people, but being six foot four, with big teeth and a beard – there’s no hiding.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Pure Shores by All Saints.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Remember, when you go home, you’re not anything special.
Tell us a secret
I am a bit of a lad but don’t tell: it will ruin my image!
