Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder have been working together on BBC Two programme, Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour

Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder (Image: Rob Rinder X/Twitter)

Rylan Clark has expressed his astonishment as he and friend Rob Rinder received some exciting news before the launch of their second series together. Audiences have taken a keen liking to the television personalities as a pair since their initial collaboration last year on their very own BBC Two programme, Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour.

In their debut three-part series, the two explored Italy’s magnificent art offerings across Venice, Florence, and Rome, tracing the path once trodden by 19th-century romantic poet Lord Byron and other Grand Tourists.

During their travels in the first instalment, Rob decided to playfully deceive fans online by claiming that they were engaged. The criminal barrister turned TV star shared a beautiful photo on social media, showing the duo in what appeared to be the Italian countryside.

As the landscape stretched out behind them, Rylan and Rob stood beneath the intense sunshine, both dressed in smart white shirts and trousers, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Taking inspiration from Elton John’s performance at Glastonbury, Rob whimsically tweeted, “Elton’s set at Glastonbury has inspired us to tie the knot. I [heart] @Rylan,” resulting in an influx of congratulatory messages from fans, some of whom took the announcement at face value.

However, Rylan quickly dispelled the gossip, responding with a lighthearted dismissal: “Fake news he’s had a wine.” He later mentioned that back home, he found himself explaining to a passer-by who offered congratulations that he and Rob had no plans to wed.

The duo’s popularity as a team became clear, particularly after their return from a recent trip to India in November for the second series of their BBC Two show. On Thursday, 27th March, Rylan and Rob received exciting news – they had been nominated for a prestigious Bafta TV award, with the ceremony set to take place in May.

Their show has been shortlisted in the Factual Entertainment category, competing against notable programmes such as In Vogue: The 90s, Race Across The World, and Stacey Solomon’s Sort Your Life Out.

Upon hearing the news, Rylan shared a screenshot of the nominees on social media, expressing his delight: “Can’t believe I’m saying this, but we’re nominated for a @BAFTA. Thanks so much for watching [red heart emoji].”

The announcement was met with an outpouring of support. Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid congratulated them, saying: “So amazing. And totally deserved. Wonderful programme, gorgeous people.”

@lol_mary_c commented: “So deserved! It was an incredible show.” @suzanneg1966 added: “It was a brilliant watch! ! ! You deserve it.”

@me_saraw replied: “The category says it all.. factual entertainment, the both of you were brilliant hears to more.” @to_tired_to_clare also offered her well-wishes: “You and Rob are great. Good luck.”

Netflix series, Baby Reindeer, is leading the pack at this year’s Bafta TV awards with a total of eight nominations. ITV’s drama, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which brought the plight of subpostmasters wrongly prosecuted during the Horizon IT scandal to light, has garnered six nominations and is also in the running for the PandO Cruises’ memorable moment category.

Disney+ drama Rivals, based on a novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, has secured six nominations along with a memorable moment nod. Similarly, Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, featuring Oscar winner Gary Oldman, has received six nods.

BBC’s The Traitors has earned a nomination for Claudia Winkleman in the entertainment performance category and is also contending in the reality category, alongside Love is Blind, Dragons’ Den and The Jury: Murder Trial.

Competing against Claudia Winkleman in the entertainment performance category are Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly for ITV’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Last year, the duo presented the final episode of the 20th series before announcing their hiatus from the show.

TV host Graham Norton is nominated in the same category for The Graham Norton Show, as are Joe Lycett for Late Night Lycett, Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett for Rob and Romesh Vs, and Stacey Solomon for BBC’s Sort Your Life Out.