Ronan Keating publicly backed television presenter Rylan Clark on Saturday by dedicating a song to him during his set at Radio 2 in the Park, after Clark faced widespread criticism for comments about migrants made on This Morning.
Addressing the Chelmsford crowd, Keating said he had written something "especially for you all" and introduced a performance of his No. 1 hit "When You Say Nothing At All" as a nod to Clark. The onstage dedication came as Clark — who had been filling in on This Morning — was the subject of a wave of complaints after a televised segment in which he criticised the way some migrants arriving in the UK were being accommodated and cared for. Ofcom received about 576 complaints related to the broadcast.
On the programme Clark argued that placing migrants who crossed the Channel in hotels and providing them with food and medical assistance appeared "insane" to him and questioned why British citizens in certain circumstances would not receive the same treatment. He also praised migrant doctors and nurses for treating his mother, while saying he believed "something major needs to be done" about people arriving by irregular routes and the cost he said the system imposed.
Clark later defended his remarks on social media, saying people can hold nuanced positions and urging for conversation rather than online attacks. He confirmed last week that he and Josie Gibson had completed their fill-in stint on This Morning.
The comments drew criticism from viewers and commentators who said Clark's remarks contained inaccuracies about asylum procedures. Home Office guidance states it does not routinely provide mobile phones or tablets to new arrivals; such items are sometimes distributed by charities or churches. Asylum seekers are entitled to NHS care while claims are processed, and hotels have at times been used to accommodate people awaiting the outcome of their claims.
Keating's public show of support for Clark was delivered without direct reference to the substance of the debate and focused on personal friendship and local ties, noting the concert's Essex location and asking the audience to "just go with it" before beginning the song.
Representatives for Keating and Clark did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. Broadcasters and public figures have frequently faced scrutiny over on-air remarks about migration, a topic that has attracted public attention and regulatory complaints in recent years. Ofcom assesses complaints against its codes and may investigate if material potentially breaches broadcasting rules on harm, offence or accuracy.
The exchange illustrates the overlap of celebrity, live television and political debate at a time when migration remains a prominent subject in UK public discourse. Keating's dedication offered a visible, personal defence of Clark at a live event, while the underlying debate over the portrayal and treatment of migrants continues to be debated across media platforms.