Eamonn Holmes has thrown his support behind Rylan Clark on social media.
The 62-year-old presenter branded an Twitter troll an ‘stupid ignoramus’ following their claims Rylan, 33, had been throwing ‘sickies’ while he was missing for two weeks from his BBC Radio 2 show having been open about his recent health issues.
The Twitter user initially wrote: ‘Never been a fan of @EamonnHolmes but sadly our TV & radio shows are loaded with presenters like him, who openly admit to having no talent or opinions & wonder why they’re in their well paid jobs. At least @piersmorgan has an opinion. Also growing weary of @Rylan’s “sickies.” ‘
The It Takes Two host pointed out he’d been ill, and Eamonn – who has worked with him on ITV’s This Morning in the past – was quick to back him.
He added: ‘Rylan , I was going to challenge this stupid ignoramus …. decided not to but because he has annoyed you he has annoyed me more .
‘I know how truly ill you have been … I just hope he never catches one of your “Sickies”… Stay well my friend x (sic)’
Rylan has been open with fans about his health issues over the past few months, including having to spend some time in hospital earlier on this month.
In the meantime, he was unable to take to the airwaves, with other Radio 2 presenters kindly standing in for him – but he was back on Saturday afternoon, taking listeners all the way to Rybiza, as he reassured them he was ‘bouncing fit’.
He said at the start of his show: ‘I want to say a massive thank you to Gary [Davies] and OJ [Borg] for stepping in the last couple of weeks, don’t stress.’