Rob Rinder told MailOnline that his connection with Ryan Clark had evolved into something more than simply a friendship, as speculations circulated over whether or not they had fallen in love.
The barrister and broadcaster, 45, and his TV partner, 35, had a wonderful time celebrating together at the BAFTAS, as fans hailed them as the ‘perfect couple’.
Rob smiled lovingly up at his 6ft 4in partner on the red carpet at London’s Royal Festival Hall, and he said that they had never been closer.
‘It’s always a joy to be alongside him’, he told MailOnline today.
Last night Rob shared a picture of them in Italy with the Lord Byron quote: ‘Friendship may, and often does, grow into love’ – sparking huge excitement amongst fans, wishing happiness and a fresh start for him and Rylan, perhaps even together.
Rob admitted he has developed a deep bond with Rylan, describing him as the ‘real deal’, but insisted they are not in a romantic relationship.
‘We aren’t a couple. It is what Rylan said; we are like a very old married couple; we row, laugh together, and don’t have sex’, he said.
Their show Grand Tour premiered on BBC 2 last night to great acclaim. The friends spoke movingly about their divorces and looking forward to rebuilding their lives in a show billed as a bittersweet ‘heartbreak holiday’.
Rob broke down as Rylan admitted he tried to ‘end it all’ and he ‘just sunk’ after his marriage to Dan Neal ended in 2021 after six years. Mr Rinder then spoke tearfully about the pain of unrequited love before sharing a toast to ‘love’.
Viewers said there was ‘chemistry’ between them and suggested that they would make the ‘perfect couple’.
The barrister claimed that Rylan has grown to be one of his closest friends and that he was awarded an MBE in 2021 for his contributions to Holocaust education.
‘He’s the real deal, which is rare. He isn’t just the friend you call in a crisis—that’s the easy bit—he’s the mate who will celebrate with gusto with you when great things happen—that’s the true barometer of friendship’.
The friends were in Italy for the first episode of their travel show.
As they took in Venice’s attractions, Rob attempted to impart his passion for art to Rylan.
They then talked about their divorces in a poignant scenario that included a view of one of the many canals in the city.
I don’t think they’re any more than really good friends and that’s so lovely to see because true friendships are rare and need to be cherished.
Both of them are excellent guys who appear to get along nicely. They have both come from modest backgrounds and have put forth a great deal of effort to succeed. If it works, then it works, and they are both very likeable. I would happily have them both over for dinner, as I believe that they would be great company and the laughter would be in abundance.
It’s possible to love someone and not fall in love, so maybe their love is only a friendship that will eventually blossom into love. Regardless of their relationship, it’s obvious that they enjoy each other’s company and are quite close.
Finding a friend who shares common life problems is great, but the media is going to pull their friendship apart, so now it’s time to leave them alone. This is old news now; let’s move on!
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 