Rylan Clark-Neal thanks fans for 'love and kindness' amid marriage split

Rylan Clark-Neal has thanked fans for their "love and kindness" following his split from his husband of five years.

The presenter has been absent from social media - and his Radio 2 Saturday afternoon show - for weeks and last month confirmed the breakdown of his marriage to Dan Neal.

The star has now broken his silence on Instagram to thank fans, sharing that he is focusing on his mental health and returning to the work he loves.

He wrote: "I just wanted to write a message to thank you all for the love and kindness you've shown us.

Read more: Rylan Clark-Neal says he'll always hate how he looks because of childhood bullying

"We are currently prioritising our mental health and looking after the ones around us we love most.

"I am working towards getting back to the jobs I love in due course.

"Thank you for being patient with me."

Clark-Neal previously said he blames himself for the breakdown of his marriage and is "seeking help".

Read more: Rylan Clark-Neal’s early fail at Big Brother fame

The 32-year-old told The Sun: "Following reports about Dan and I spending time apart, I feel I have to speak out - as the way it is being reported is unfair.

"I have made a number of mistakes which I deeply regret and have inevitably led to the breakdown of our marriage."

He said he was taking time away from work as he was "not in a good place".

The couple met when Neal was a contestant on Big Brother in 2013.

Clark-Neal became the host of Big Brother's Bit On The Side on Channel 5 that series, having won Celebrity Big Brother at the beginning of the year.

They tied the knot in November 2015, and the TV star took his husband’s surname after they wed.

Watch: Rylan Clark-Neal confesses 'mistakes' have ended marriage