Rylan Clark surprises Radio 2 crowd with Michelle Visage duet after immigration backlash

Rylan Clark delighted festivalgoers when he performed a surprise duet with Michelle Visage at Radio 2 In The Park on Friday, appearing to put recent controversy behind him.

Clark, 36, joined long-time friend Michelle Visage, 56, onstage for an energetic rendition of the 1978 hit "Summer Nights" in front of a packed crowd. The impromptu performance saw the pair dance across the stage and engage the audience throughout the song.

For the appearance, Clark wore a stone-coloured coordinated set consisting of a bomber jacket and matching drawstring trousers with a black T-shirt underneath. Visage wore a black scoop-neck vest top paired with bold leopard-print capri trousers. Fans in the audience reacted enthusiastically to the spontaneous duet, with many cheering and singing along.

The appearance came a week after Clark faced backlash for comments he made on the daytime programme This Morning during a discussion about immigration and Reform leader Nigel Farage's plans. The remarks drew criticism on social media and in press coverage, but on Friday Clark's stage chemistry with Visage suggested he was proceeding with public engagements as scheduled.

Organisers billed the performance as a surprise moment during Radio 2 In The Park's schedule. Clark and Visage have appeared together on television and live events previously, and their onstage rapport was highlighted by the informal nature of the duet. Attendees described the performance as one of several lighthearted highlights of the day's line-up.

Representatives for Clark and Visage did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Radio 2 In The Park continued with its planned programme following the performance, which organisers said included a mix of established acts and guest appearances.

The duet adds to a series of high-profile moments for Clark this year, encompassing television presenting and live appearances. The brief, upbeat set was notable for its crowd engagement and for occurring amid ongoing public discussion about remarks he had made on national television earlier in the week.