Rylan Clark has reassured fans that his mother, Linda Clark, is “absolutely fine” after being inundated with messages from concerned listeners who came across a fake story circulating online.

The 37-year-old TV and radio presenter, who regularly appears alongside his mum on Celebrity Gogglebox and often chats with her on his BBC Radio 2 show, clarified during his Saturday broadcast that Linda is in good health.

Rylan told listeners:

“I’ve had loads of messages today and yesterday. My mum’s absolutely fine — I think there’s a fake news page on Facebook saying she’s not well or something. But just to reassure everyone, she’s absolutely fine. She was already playing with the wheelie bins this morning! Thank you for all the lovely messages, but Linda’s good.”

Previously, Rylan admitted that he’d love to work more with his mum, but acknowledged that her health doesn’t allow it. Linda suffers from severe Crohn’s disease, an incurable inflammatory bowel condition, and was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2021.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Rylan said:

“We’ve been offered hundreds of opportunities — travel shows, projects here and there. It would be hilarious, but she’s just not well enough to do it. Gogglebox is enough for us. She’s comfortable with that because we’re just sat in my kitchen.”

Recently, Rylan shared his immense pride in his mum after she was invited to open the Christmas grotto at her local garden centre — one of her favourite spots.

Posting a photo of Linda posing with Santa Claus and a staff member, Rylan wrote to his millions of followers:

“My mum was asked to open the Christmas grotto at our local garden centre — honestly, I’ve never been prouder.”

He added:

“LOOK AT HER!!! ❤️❤️❤️”

The post drew a flood of affectionate comments from fans and celebrity friends alike.

Michelle Visage, Rylan’s BBC Radio 2 co-host and RuPaul’s Drag Race star, commented: “I LOVE YOU LINDA! Look at that pride!!!”

Amy Childs from The Only Way Is Essex wrote: “We love you Linda.”

Actress Sarah Hadland, a Strictly Come Dancing 2024 contestant, joked: “I’m with her – it’s a big moment, plus she’s got all those discounts to look forward to now!”

Sonny Jay from Capital FM added: “So cute.”

In an interview with the Radio Times, while discussing his journey to India with friend and TV personality Rob Rinder for their second BBC Radio 2 series – which explores themes like death and mortality – Rylan revealed that the experience made him reflect less on himself and more on his mum.

He confessed:

“I’m more worried about losing my mum than I am about my own life. Coming back from Varanasi was eye-opening. It made me realise that I just have to enjoy what I’m doing – and if I’m not enjoying it, then don’t f***ing do it.”