The Strictly star shared that they had been pulled into the BBC Radio 2 show last minute as Rylan Clark had fallen ill.

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Rylan missed his show due to being ill (Image: Getty)

Rylan Clark was forced to pull out of his BBC Radio 2 show yesterday, at last minute, due to a health issue. However, fans were delighted as a a Strictly Come Dancing contestant stepped in to replace him.

Richie Anderson, who appeared on the 2022 series of the BBC dance show, was behind the voice who filled the airwaves on Saturday. He explained what had happened, with Rylan missing, as he shared that the normal host was suffering from “the sniffles”.

He told listeners: “The reason I’m in is because Rylan’s got the sniffles, apparently. However, our listeners disagree because he’s been spotted a lot out and about this week.”

Listeners joked with the host, with one saying they’d spotted him in Conwy trying to wash cars stopped at traffic lights. Another wrote in: “I saw Rylan on a nudist beach in Cornwall. And his teeth aren’t the only thing that’s massive. He also has very large feet.”

The clip was posted on Instagram and Rylan commented “Lies”, before thanking fans for wishing him better. Meanwhile others called for Ritchie to have his own Radio 2 show, applauding him for his hosting efforts.

Richie on BBC

Fans were delighted when Richie stepped in (Image: BBC)

One wrote: “Radio 2, come on now, give Richie his own show, he’s fab! Would have been great in the weekend morning slots or weekday afternoons.”

Another added: “Richie – so warm and funny. Brilliant person to fill in for Rylan.” A third said: “Was a brilliant show today. Well done Ritchie – miss you at breakfast. Sally [Traffic] fab as always. Same time next week?”

Richie is no stranger to the radio station as he announced his exit from the breakfast show in December – shortly after Zoe Ball revealed her decision to leave. He currently presents the travel news on the station on weekday afternoons.

Radio 2 Live in the Park

Rylan missed his Radio 2 show due to having the sniffles (Image: Getty)Back in December, he shared a statement that shared his decision to leave his post. He said: “I have had the most amazing six years on this show. It has been so much fun, and I have loved every single second of it.

“It has been so amazing to come here and be accepted by you (Zoe), Tina (Daheley) and the producers.”

He added of Zoe: “I remember when I met Zoe for the first time in the dressing room at It Takes Two, she came in with hugs and it was like I’d known you forever and you have been the most amazing friend.”