TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark has said 'he wouldn't be here' if it wasn't for the support from his Step's pal Claire Richards who is 'like a sister' to him.
The telly favourite, 32, split from husband Dan after six years of marriage this summer and took a break from a string of work commitments as he struggled through 'the worst time' in his life.
But after taking time-out he made a rare public appearance last night at the glitzy Attitude Awards to honour stars leading the way in the LGBTQ+ community.
Rylan, who looked glam wearing a white shirt with black criss-cross detail, presented the Icon Award to pop group Steps.
He told the audience inside Camden's Roundhouse: "On a personal level, one of the members of this band is like my big sister.
"For the past four months, probably for the toughest time in my life, she's been there for me, and without her, I probably wouldn't be giving this award out tonight."
But in a sign that Rylan's witty charm is back he made a tongue-in-cheek quip about his newly-single life too.
He added: "Sorry guys I was a little bit distracted, I was trying to download Grindr. It's been 10 minutes.
"What a year, I'm genuinely thrilled to be here."
The awards benefit was a chance for Rylan to catch up with familiar faces including his fellow X Factor alumnus and close pal Lucy Spraggan.
And Rylan is now back on our screens doing what he does best, hosting Strictly spin-off It Takes Two.
The Attitude Magazine Foundation, raises money for LGBT causes, saw musical performances from Steps, Paige and RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Bimini.
Rylan recently returned to social media and in a Instagram story TV host Angelica Bell shared a pic of her, Rylan and Chattyman Alan Carr, saying: "Chewing the cud and putting the world to rights."
He also rubbed shoulders with Big Brother presenter Emma Willis and cheered on singer Elaine Paige at the star-studded event.
As well as running in celeb circles in his private life, Rylan has also been back hosting the star-studded Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two a he makes his comeback.
A source at the show said his involvement on the show was helping to heal to his broken heart.
They told new magazine: "Strictly has saved him - the old Rylan is coming back.
"Janette has been a real support. They've got great chemistry and he's got his spark back.
"Janette has been very supportive and down to earth - she's been a real breath of fresh air."
