Rylan Clark is on the cusp of becoming a national treasure. Having defied the odds of most reality TV stars, he has managed to stay the course, cementing his already steady career rise to the top with his most recent television outing with Rob Rinder 'Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour', which showed the viewing public a whole new side to his talents.

Brought up in the East End by his mum, Linda. Rylan or Ross as his family and friends know him, was always performing from a young age, according to his mum. The family moved to Essex when he was around 11 going to school in Upminster, where Ross was a mischievous and talented student.

After a few years in retail he started modelling and went off to Ibiza where he was in tribute bands to Take That and Westlife. His big break came when he appeared on X Factor in 2012. Although he didn't win, he did make an impression, and after winning Celebrity Big Brother his career took off.

Mark Coles charts the rise of Rylan Clark.

Presenter: Mark Coles

Contributors

Scott Bryan, TV critic and broadcaster

Linda Clark, Mother

Bernice Cole, Make-up artist and friend

Nader Dehdashti, Agent and friend

Mark Duncan, Deputy Headmaster, Coopers' Company and Coborn School

Robert Rinder, Broadcaster and barrister

CREDITS

X Factor - Thames and Syco Entertainment Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour - Rex Productions Keeping Up Appearances - BBC Masterchef - Endemol Shine UK How to Be a Man - Mindhouse production for BBC Sounds How to Be in the Spotlight - Mindhouse production for BBC Sounds

Production Team

Producers: Julie Ball, Diane Richardson & Ivana Davidovic Editor: Tom Bigwood Sound: James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele