Rylan Clark's TV co-star says 'friendship has turned into love' as they attend BAFTAs together

Rylan Clark took to the red carpet at the BAFTA Television Awards last night after his recent stint at the Eurovision Song Contest.

The 35 year old presenter was amongst esteemed guests at the ceremony, which unfurled its red carpet at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday. The TV star had jetted back from Sweden where he'd been working on the song contest just the night before.

His BAFTA appearance saw Rylan joined by good pal Rob Rinder, 45, and the two buddies presented the award for daytime together. Both of them brushed up well for the occasion donning suits, with white shirts, black jackets, matching trousers and smart black shoes.

While Rob chose a black tie, Rylan opted for a bow tie for some variation. Their attendance teed up anticipation for their new television show, Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour hitting the BBC Two screens later that evening.

The programme, divided into three parts, travels through Italy closely mirroring poet Lord Byron's grand tour on the wake of his 200th death anniversary, reports the Mirror.

A synopsis amusingly suggests: "The Grand Tour was a cultural odyssey designed to turn young upper-class Brits into civilised, educated gentlemen. So will it have the same effect on Rob and Rylan?"

The mates, who reportedly shared a divorce solicitor after their marriages ended, have been bigging up the show lately. They've both also been singing each other's praises in the run-up to its launch.

On X, formerly Twitter, Rylan penned on Sunday: "Tonight our new show starts at 9pm on BBC Two and iPlayer. It was so special. This man has become family to me because of this experience. It really is a show like no other and we're so proud of it. Hope you enjoy."

Rob echoed the sentiment by posting a quote about friendship blossoming into love, credited to Lord Byron. He quipped in his response: "'Friendship may and often does, grow into love.' Byron .. See you alongside him 9pm tonight @BBCTwo."

Rylan has opened up before about his bond with Rob, telling the Sunday Times: "We do, we love each other. Like a married couple: we row all the time and don't have sex."

After the show aired, viewers shared their thoughts, with one tweeting: "My husband and I are watching [Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour] and thinking everyone should have a friend like Rylan in their life. What a fabulous friend."

Rob acknowledged the tweet, replying: "So true."

Following the warm reception the show received on its opening night, Rylan expressed his gratitude to fans. His tweet read: "Wow, we never expected this reaction to the show. Thank you so much for the love. It's so welcome."

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