Rylan Clark has been stranded in Nice, France, after widespread flight cancellations caused by a record-breaking heatwave, forcing him to miss his BBC Radio 2 Saturday show. The 37-year-old presenter, who has hosted the weekend slot since 2019, was due to broadcast live but instead called in to explain the situation to friend Emma Willis.
Rylan's phone call from France
Speaking to Emma Willis on the phone, Rylan said: 'I decided to go away with my partner and a couple of my friends to Nice for a few days and just, you know, enjoy the sun! I didn't have work this week; I managed to clear my diary, and I was like, “That’s amazing.” And then I was flying back very early this morning. Went to the airport, and it was like, “No!” And I was like, “Sorry?”'
He admitted he considered extreme measures, including an eight-hour train ride, but ultimately decided to stay an extra day. 'I thought, “Do you know what? You’ve done well for yourself. Just going to stay another day, what can I do?”,' he quipped, referencing the East 17 Christmas song.
Mark Goodier steps in
Rylan confirmed that Mark Goodier, 65, a veteran radio presenter, would cover his show. Goodier has been filling in on various Radio 2 slots over the past year and will also cover the Drivetime show until Sara Cox's replacement is confirmed. Cox moves to the Radio 2 Breakfast Show on July 6 following Scott Mills' departure.
'A massive thank you to Mark,' Rylan said. 'But, I thought, I can either really stress myself out about this and sweat my Victoria Beckham foundation off my forehead, or I’m just gonna have to swallow it and deal with it and go, “What a shame”.' He joked that there are 'worse places to be' and added: 'I’ve just had a nice rosé with some ice cubes in it. Gonna go and sit by the pool, and wish everyone well.'
Social media reaction
After the clip was shared, Rylan posted on Instagram Story a selfie showing his tan, wine in hand, with the caption: 'Soz about todays show. I blame everyone but myself. Genuinely had it all sussed out and then flights all cancelled. Thanks Mark for stepping in you legend. Gonna have a rosé and think of you all.'
Listeners were supportive, with @lanzamel commenting: 'I think you will be forgiven Rylan not your fault.enjoy your extra day!!' and @angienortham adding: 'Ah we missed you today! ❤️' Next Saturday, Joel Dommett will sit in for Rylan, according to the BBC Radio schedule.
Wider travel chaos
Rylan is not alone in facing travel disruption. A heatwave that broke records with a high of 37.3°C on the hottest June day caused rail infrastructure issues, forcing reduced schedules. According to FlightAware, 484 inbound and outbound flights were delayed at Gatwick and Heathrow airports by evening, with 42% of Heathrow flights and 50% of Gatwick flights delayed. The amber warning for extreme heat is set to end Sunday morning, but 'spikes' of above-average temperatures are expected through July and August.
