Rylan Clark has defended remarks he made on This Morning about illegal immigration after facing criticism online.
The presenter, 36, shared his stance during a discussion on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s proposed deportation policy on Wednesday alongside co-host Josie Gibson.
Farage has claimed his party would seek to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants within five years if it won the next general election.
During the debate, Clark said that while immigration has long been a cornerstone of Britain’s identity, policies were needed to address Channel crossings.
His comments drew mixed reactions on social media, prompting the broadcaster to issue a follow-up statement on Instagram and X.
“You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes,” Clark wrote in white text on a black background. “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.”
On This Morning, Clark praised legal immigrants working in the UK, noting their role in supporting the NHS.
“[The UK] is built on immigration,” he said. “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.
However, he also questioned the government’s approach to those arriving via the Channel.
He continued: “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.
“‘Here’s the iPad. Here’s the NHS in the 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 added: “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 comments divided opinion online, with some viewers accusing Clark of using “dog whistle” language, while others argued he was voicing frustrations held by many across the political spectrum.
One penned: “His problem was that he repeated a string of dog whistles and misinformation. Rylan issues powerful statement after praising migrants who saved mum’s life.”
Another penned. “I mean it’s telling that halfway through the phrase ‘this is the narrative we’re being fed’ comes up which is entirely true.
“It is story being told to you [sic], but it doesn’t take much digging to realise it’s built on lies and racist dog whistles, and amplifying it does not help.”
Meanwhile, a viewer argued in support of his comments: “Well said, Rylan. He has really grown on me over the years, and now even more so. I have no problems with legal immigrants (they are very welcome), just the illegal ones.”
