Ronan Keating publicly defended television presenter Rylan Clark by dedicating a song to him during his performance at Radio 2 in the Park in Chelmsford on Saturday, after Clark faced heavy criticism for recent comments about migrants.
Addressing the crowd, Keating said the concert was "in the home of Rylan" and announced he had "wrote a song, especially for you all," before launching into his hit "When You Say Nothing At All" in a dedication to the former X Factor contestant and This Morning stand-in.
Clark, who has been a regular contributor on ITV's This Morning, drew intense scrutiny last week after a broadcast in which he criticised what he described as the treatment of people who crossed the English Channel in small boats. His remarks, made during a discussion about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage's proposals on mass deportations, prompted complaints from viewers and a reported 576 contacts to media regulator Ofcom.
On the programme Clark questioned why migrants arriving by boat appeared to receive hotel accommodation and other assistance, and said: "How come if I turn up at Heathrow Airport as a British citizen and I've left my passport in Spain, I've got to stand at that airport and won't be let in, but if I arrive on a boat from Calais, I get taken to a four-star hotel?" He also said there was "something wrong" about people being welcomed and given medical help, a hotel and food.
Those remarks were met with criticism from viewers and commentators who said they spread misinformation about the asylum process in the UK. The Home Office does not routinely provide mobile phones or tablets to new arrivals; charities and faith groups sometimes offer such items. Asylum seekers are entitled to free NHS care while claims are processed, and hotels — including the Britannia International in Canary Wharf — have been used at times to house people awaiting decisions.
Clark later defended his stance on social media, writing: "You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes. You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. The list continues. Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter." When asked how he felt about Keating's tribute, Clark told the Daily Mail: "I'm not going to talk about anything today," and added, "I love Ronan, he's a really good friend of mine."
The presenter confirmed on Friday that it had been his "last day" on This Morning alongside co-host Josie Gibson, after the two had been filling in for regular hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard while they were on holiday.
Keating's onstage dedication and Clark's subsequent comments underscore the continued prominence of migration as a flashpoint in public debate and the scrutiny public figures face when addressing it. Media complaints and on-air controversies have recently become a frequent part of coverage as politicians, broadcasters and regulators respond to public concern about migration policy and its portrayal in the media.