Rylan Clark made a triumphant return to This Morning to brighten our Monday morning and viewers are already wanting more.

The beloved presenter hasn’t been on the famous blue sofa in that role for 14 months, but he was back in business on the ITV daytime show to kick off the week alongside Josie Gibson.

Although he has appeared as a guest more recently, he last hosted the programme with close pal Ruth Langsford in the summer of 2022 before going on a hiatus.

Now, he has returned after the series lost its two main presenters, Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

‘A big, big, big welcome to you Rylan, welcome back,’ Josie said at the beginning of the episode as Rylan joked he’s simply been ‘hiding’ in the studio.

‘It’s so nice to see everyone! I mean, I didn’t really go anywhere, I was just hiding in the cupboard. Just downstairs,’ he quipped.

Rylan Clark returned alongside Josie Gibson on Monday’s episode of This Morning (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

The presenting duo delighted viewers (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

He also gave an update on his mum Linda, 71, was hospitalised in Spain following a fall which left her needing surgery after breaking her arm and leg.

‘Mum is good, she’s really really good. Thank you for all your messages. She’s really really good, she’s watching today, hello Linda,’ he smiled.

‘She’s hobbling about in her little leg brace, she went to the post office, she’s doing alright… She’s been really good and I know she’s watching today!’

This Morning is in need of two presenters after Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby’s exits (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Rylan’s return comes amid a turbulent time for This Morning after Phillip, 61, quit in May when he admitted to an ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a younger employee, while Holly, 42, also stepped down from the show earlier this month.

It’s left the show with two presenting slots to fill, and Monday’s appearance has put Rylan firmly at the top of viewers’ list to take over one of the spaces.

‘Let’s keep Rylan as a full time presenter #ThisMorning,’ wrote one fan, while another urged: ‘Make sure you keep him at all costs!’

More: Trending

‘Great duo of Rylan & Josie #ThisMorning – I also like when she presents with Craig,’ added a third viewer, as someone else tweeted: ‘Good to see Rylan back on
@thismorning Welcome back 👋🏼 #thismorning’

‘Lovely to see @Rylan is back on @thismorning,’ a different fan said, with yet another writing: ‘Lovely to see Rylan back. Feels right ❤️ #ThisMorning’

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Big Brother’s Farida lost on Blankety Blank because of Rylan Clark

MORE : This Morning ‘takes major leap’ in replacing Holly Willoughby

He’s ba-aaaaack!