Rylan Clark Dives Back Into “Dating Naked UK”

Rylan Clark’s return as host for the second season of "Dating Naked UK" marks not just the continuation of a groundbreaking British reality show, but also a renewed focus on inclusivity, vulnerability, and LGBTQ+ representation within the popular dating genre. As the new series prepares to launch exclusively on Paramount+, Clark sat down with Attitude to discuss the program’s evolution, his personal experiences as a single gay man, and the challenges – and rewards – of baring all, both physically and emotionally, on national television .

Season 2 takes the bold format to new heights, with a newly unveiled villa in Panama boasting even more space and a set of challenges designed to push contestants out of their comfort zones . According to Clark, the show’s location upgrade is more than just a backdrop; it’s a stage for personal growth and meaningful connection. “These contestants are so brave to literally bare all,” Clark told Closer. “It’s not just about nudity – it’s about vulnerability, honesty, and putting yourself out there, especially when dating can be so daunting for anyone, but particularly for LGBTQ+ people who may not always see themselves represented authentically on mainstream TV” .

The show's format remains purposely raw: single participants meet, date, and form connections while entirely nude, stripping away not just clothing but the social armor that so often hides insecurities and genuine intentions. Clark, an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, says this rawness levels the playing field. “When everyone’s stripped down, there’s nowhere to hide – and that’s when the real conversations start,” he explained to Attitude .

Clark’s own romantic journey has been a subject of public interest since his high-profile divorce from Dan Neal in 2021. In interviews leading up to the new series, Clark was open about the challenges of dating post-divorce, especially in the age of apps and heightened public scrutiny. “You don’t just meet people in bars anymore – it’s all Tinder and Raya,” he said. “The risk is real: are they in it for the right reasons? But what am I going to do, die alone with cats? I’m allergic to them! You’ve got to put yourself out there” .

This candor, Clark notes, is part of what he brings to the show. He’s not just a host but a participant in the larger conversation about queer love, visibility, and resilience. “What I love about ‘Dating Naked UK’ is that it’s not just about finding love – it’s about finding comfort in your own skin, whatever your gender identity or sexuality,” Clark told Attitude .

Clark’s return comes at a time when LGBTQ+ visibility on mainstream dating shows is still evolving. While several British and international programs have begun to incorporate queer contestants, “Dating Naked UK” stands out for its frankness and inclusivity. The show not only features LGBTQ+ participants but also foregrounds their stories, challenges, and triumphs as they search for connection in an environment free from heteronormative expectations .

As Clark told Attitude, “LGBTQ+ people want to see themselves reflected in all aspects of life, including the messy, funny, awkward, and beautiful world of dating. This show gives us that space, and I’m proud to be a part of it” .

According to OUT, producers have made a concerted effort this season to cast a broader range of contestants, ensuring that trans, non-binary, and queer voices are not only present but integral to the series’ narrative. This shift has been widely welcomed by viewers and critics alike, who have often called for more authentic and varied LGBTQ+ stories on reality television .

“Dating Naked UK” has not been without controversy. The show's premise – dating in the nude – has attracted both praise for its openness and criticism from more conservative quarters. Clark, however, is unfazed by detractors. “Haters gonna hate, but our daters are still gonna date,” he quipped in a recent MTV Reality UK video, highlighting the resilience and humor that have come to define his hosting style .

Viewers, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, have celebrated the show’s willingness to challenge taboos around body image, sexuality, and gender expression. Social media platforms have become a hub for lively conversation about the series, with many fans praising its “refreshing honesty” and the way it “normalizes all bodies and all kinds of love” (Instagram: @datingnakeduk; Twitter: @MTVUK; TikTok: @dnuk).

As promised in his interview with Attitude, Clark will share more about his own dating life in the upcoming series. While he remains tight-lipped about specific developments, he hints at new adventures and the ongoing process of self-discovery. “I’m still learning, still growing, and still hoping to find someone who sees me for me – flaws and all,” he said .

With the return of “Dating Naked UK,” Clark and the show’s producers hope to spark broader conversations about love, vulnerability, and LGBTQ+ inclusion on reality television. As Clark told OUT, “Dating is tricky for everyone, but when you see yourself reflected on screen – when your stories are told honestly – it makes a difference. That’s what we’re trying to do here” .

As the new season prepares to air, viewers can expect more twists, heartfelt moments, and a continued commitment to celebrating the full spectrum of queer experience. For Clark, it’s an opportunity not just to play Cupid, but to champion authenticity and belonging for LGBTQ+ people everywhere.