Rylan Clark-Neal is set to swap his light-entertainment hat for a political one next month, as he fronts Channel 4′s general
election coverage.
The former X Factor contestant will take the lead on Channel 4′s Alternative Election Night after the nation has taken to the polls on 12 December.
He will present along Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy, comedian Katherine Ryan and presenter Clare Balding.Joining them will be experts including former MPs Tom Watson and Amber Rudd, who will provide more political commentary.
Announcing the news on Twitter, Rylan said: “So yeah.... This X factor reject will be hosting election night. Lols.”
The news was met with some immediate raised eyebrows from some commentators on Twitter.In further evidence of the apocalypse, Rylan will be hosting election night on Channel 4.https://t.co/L0SjirSQTk— Benjamin Butterworth (@benjaminbutter) November 18, 2019Channel 4 Producer: "For fuck sake. Jon Snow has just pulled out of our election night broadcast. Where can we find a replacement presenter with years of journalism and expertise in politics within such short notice?"Rylan: "I can do that." pic.twitter.com/ti0pULCVb9— Karl Downey ➡️🏴🏳️🌈 (@Karl_Downey) November 18, 2019Yet more evidence, if any were needed, that the world has gone completely bat shit crazy @Rylan is hosting the #GE2019 coverage on Channel 4. 😱 That comet can’t come soon enough. https://t.co/tx95DE98ug— DorisJohnson (@jorisbohnson) November 18, 2019However, there’s actually no reason for anyone to turn their nose up about Rylan hosting political coverage.
While he’s better known for hosting the likes of Strictly: It Takes Two and Supermarket Sweep, Rylan is definitely politically engaged, as anyone who follows him on
Twitter would already know.
He’s properly obsessed with the twists and turns of Brexit...If cons vote in favour of Mays deal tonight it’s only on the basis they know she will quit, that someone else will take her place and they may move up the conservative food chain. Isn’t it great these people have voted (unmeaningful) THREE TIMES. Looking forward to 9pm. pic.twitter.com/EBh4UtpmIe— Rylan Clark-Neal (@Rylan) March 27, 2019Brexit is a shit show. All avenues lead to uproar. Leave- shit deal, leave- no deal, second referendum- uproar, revoke- riots. Beyond a joke... we’ve turned into the international joke. And not a funny one.— Rylan Clark-Neal (@Rylan) March 20, 2019No one will be able to sort this mess out. That’s the sad thing about brexit. Whatever option, revoke,
referendum, leave with a bad deal, leave without a deal. All options will now lead to drama-rama. Hope Cameron is having a nice time wherever he is 👍🏼🙄— Rylan Clark-Neal (@Rylan) May 24, 2019How can they cancel this vote???— Rylan Clark-Neal (@Rylan) December 10, 2018He loves a bit of political satire...Theresa right now pic.twitter.com/jQHIwMm6CA— Rylan Clark-Neal (@Rylan) July 23, 2019Theresa May sounds like Davros pic.twitter.com/ULv6tP5XlM— Rylan Clark-Neal (@Rylan) March 12, 2019He’s already interviewed the prime minister once before...Lovely to meet @hollywills + @Rylan on @itvthismorning just now. Thanks for letting me make the case to #VoteLeavepic.twitter.com/HgjzjCXBR7—
Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 15, 2016He’s previously defended himself from such criticism in the past...Cheers jake, people assume I’m a stupid reality reject, which I like because u get away with more, but believe me I’ll brexit talk anyone under the table https://t.co/TrGTgtxOY7— Rylan Clark-Neal (@Rylan) March 27, 2019It’s so refreshing to see “serious political journos” taking the piss out of a 30 yr old man (me) who’s actively been tweeting about politics because he’s extremely interested, yet they clearly feel he’s unqualified and the butt of their joke. Not going to name and shame... yet— Rylan Clark-Neal (@Rylan) May 22, 2019And of course, let’s not forget this glorious moment...Speaking about their election night coverage, Channel 4 News and Current Affairs commissioning editor, Louisa Compton, said: “The Alternative Election will be distinctive, fresh and very entertaining, offering up the perfect mix of two political heavyweights who’ve just walked out of front-line politics as well some great comedians and entertainers.
“Voters will be at the heart of the programme with audience reaction to all the key moments.”READ MORE... The Best Moments From Rylan Clark-Neal's 24-Hour Karaoke Challenge Rylan And Zoe Ball Have Typically Amusing Response To It Takes Two 'Feud' Claims Rylan Clark-Neal Fends Off Critics After His Strictly: It Takes Two Debut