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Rylan Clark has spoken out about AJ Odudu’s departure from Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit On The Side, saying he’s ‘really sad’ to have lost his presenting partner.

Last month Channel 5 confirmed to bbspy that the 24-year-old Blackburn personality had ‘mutually agreed’ to leave the late-night spin-off show after only two series.

Rylan – who joined the Big Brother team alongside AJ in May – has since spoken of his disappointment at the decision, telling The Daily Star: “It’s going to be really sad without AJ. I love her and we’re such good friends on and off screen.

However, he resolved: “But I’ve been given this opportunity and I have to do it on my own and I’m hoping I’ll do as good a job as I did last time.”

The former X Factor contestant added that he’s ‘looking forward’ to seeing how Carol McGiffin does as head panellist on the Saturday psychology-themed show ‘Bit On The Psych’, which will now be co-hosted by Iain Lee following AJ’s exit.

Meanwhile, Rylan – who is now dating former Big Brother 2013 housemate Dan Neal – teased that the launch twist for the new series of Celebrity Big Brother will result in some housemates forming ‘false friendships’.

The show returns to Channel 5 on Friday 3rd January at 9.00pm on Channel 5.