X Factor star Rylan Clark reveals drastic career change as he achieves lifelong dream

While he was catapulted into the spotlight by his 2012 participation in The X Factor, Rylan Clark once harboured the dream of becoming a cabin member when he was a child and he was finally able to make it come true.

The 35-year-old presenter recently boarded a Virgin Atlantic Flight from London to Miami but he wasn't a passenger as he donned the company's iconic Vivienne Westwood uniform to join the cabin crew for a single day.

After a staff training with the Economy team, the This Morning star took passengers to new heights (38,000 feet, to be exact) as he learned to deliver a warm welcome and other announcements throughout the flight.

Rylan also managed to impress passengers with his charm and flair as he mixed drinks like a true professional and used his years of experience in front of the cameras to entertain holidaymakers onboard.

His test as cabin crew comes after new research among 2,000 adults found that two thirds (66%) of travellers say their experience onboard can "make or break" a holiday.

The study, commissioned by the airline, found a warm and welcoming cabin crew (75%), good food and drink (61%), and small and personal touches to make people feel special (41%), are important factors in gaining a positive in-flight experience.

Speaking about Rylan's presence onboard, flight service manager at Virgin Atlantic Ombi Farr said: "It was a pleasure having Rylan onboard to test out his service skills and see if he can embody our unique red spirit.

"We want all of our customers to feel special when they fly with us - no matter which cabin they’re in - and Rylan really did go the extra mile to do that." Ombi then added: "He brought the energy, warmth and fun that our customers know and love."

Meanwhile, Corneel Koster, Virgin Atlantic's chief customer and operating officer, said: "A journey truly comes to life the moment our customers step on to the plane, and we want to make sure that everyone enjoys a special experience - no matter what cabin they’re travelling in. Rylan has that natural warmth and amazing personality that our crew are famous for and with a little more training I’m confident he’ll earn his Virgin Atlantic wings."

But despite making a good impression on fellow cabin crew members, there is clearly room for improvement and more discipline could be required from Rylan if he was to reiterate the experience.

As his bubbly personality took over, the budding flight attendant made a big mistake as he was found by the crew taking an unscheduled snack break and getting caught up with families enjoying the in-flight kids' packs.

It comes as the research, carried out via OnePoll.com, also revealed that half of holidaymakers (49%) believe their holiday starts the moment they arrive at the airport, with 80% claiming a great flight means they enjoy their holiday more. And nine in 10 even said it can make them feel more relaxed

This isn't Rylan's first attempt at a job away from the limelight as he was seen rocking a Tesco uniform in early March, 2024, after expressing his wishes to present the latest reboot of Celebrity Big Brother.

Although he was snubbed in favour of AJ Odudu and Will Best, Rylan was smiling bright as he helped the retailer advertise its new lower Clubcard prices.

In a video shared on his official Instagram account, Rylan was shown behind his own till before he stepped out to dance in several aisles - and his experience was a hit with his fans on social media.

"Oh Rylan, please pop down to my local Tesco's and do this!", one of them begged. Another added: "OMG - this is just what I need - you smashed that Rylan you gorgeous human being you."

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