Rylan Clark surprised fans this week by revealing his natural hair color and stepping away from his usual full-glam look. The TV personality, known for his jet-black hair, beard, and polished makeup since rising to fame on The X Factor in 2012, shared a rare selfie showing a completely fresh-faced appearance.
In the photo posted to social media, Rylan appeared with vibrant red hair, a choppy fringe, and no makeup. He explained the dramatic change, writing, “Stripped color from my hair to give it a reset. For anyone wondering, this is what I look like with no color in and no makeuppppp.”
The response was overwhelmingly positive. One fan commented, “You look fabulous—younger with lighter hair. Really makes your eye color pop.” Another added, “Crikey, you look so different! You really suit this.” Even celebrities chimed in with praise. Loose Women star Ruth Langsford said, “I LOVE this colour! Keep it,” while presenter Katie Piper simply wrote, “Youthful,” with a heart-eye emoji. Vicky Pattison called him “still gorgeous,” and Lizzie Cundy encouraged, “Keep it gingere! Love you.”
Pop duo Jedward added a playful comment, saying, “It’s giving Troy Bolton from High School Musical, ya wild cat.”
Rylan, who is currently co-hosting Eurovision coverage with Scott Mills, has spoken before about being a natural redhead. Last year, he teased fans with a lighter beard photo, saying, “I MIGHT try natural for a bit.” In another selfie at the time, he wore a hoodie and cap with his lighter beard visible.
He’s long been open about his evolving appearance. In an interview with The Sun, Rylan shared that he began dyeing his hair at 14 after struggling with his looks as a child. “At school, I was the little fat ginger kid and used to get picked on,” he said. “I was quite camp, so the gay thing played its part.”
He admitted to overusing cosmetic treatments in the past but noted that his current look became part of his public identity. “I created a look that people recognize,” he said, though he added, “I would love nothing more than to grow my hair out, stop coloring it, not have to trim my beard.”
Despite dividing opinion, Rylan and Scott Mills have already made a splash with their Eurovision commentary. Many fans praised their style, with one viewer saying, “Brilliant commentators. PLEASE keep talking over the hosts.” Another wrote, “In stitches at Scott Mills and Rylan tonight.”
However, not all feedback was positive. One viewer tweeted, “If the BBC One commentators would just shut up now and again, Eurovision would be much more enjoyable,” while another urged, “Wait for the bloody song to finish before you start the insane chatter.”
The grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest airs Saturday night. Representing the UK is Remember Monday with their entry, “What the Hell Just Happened?”
