Rylan Clark has been keeping busy with work and life, but this summer he’s found someone who brings both fun and heart to his world.
His new boyfriend, Kennedy Bates, is a sixth-generation showman whose life revolves around charitable work and supporting children with special needs through his family’s funfair business.
A Legacy of Giving
Kennedy, 47, is 11 years older than Rylan and serves as a director at Billy Bates & Sons Fun Fair, a business that has been in his family for over a century.
The funfair regularly hosts sessions for children with special educational needs, particularly those with autism or sensory processing difficulties.
Kennedy also raises funds for local charities and businesses, showing that the Bates family tradition of giving back is very much alive.
The Man Behind the Funfair
It’s easy to see why Rylan was drawn to Kennedy. With his curly dark hair, twinkling blue-green eyes, bright smile, and sunny personality, Kennedy radiates charm.
Social media posts show him mingling with celebrities and actively fundraising for causes like Rainbows Children’s Hospice, where all TikTok revenue from the fair this year is being donated.
Discussing Family Plans
Rylan, 36, has openly shared that the couple has talked about having children.
During a chat on his How To Be In Love podcast with Louis Theroux, he revealed, “Yeah, I want kids. He wants kids.”
Sources say the presenter is “smitten” with Kennedy, highlighting that their relationship is moving from romance to building a shared future.
A Life Dedicated to Community
Kennedy’s philanthropic streak runs deep. On the funfair’s website, he writes about his family’s seven-generation legacy, passing down knowledge and a commitment to entertaining and giving back.
Historical anecdotes include his great-grandfather’s horse-driven carousel and decades of funfair operations through challenging times.
Photos and posts show Kennedy enjoying special moments with children, particularly those with special needs, reinforcing the fair’s mission of creating accessible and joyful experiences.
Charitable Initiatives in 2025
This year, the funfair is donating 100% of its TikTok revenue to Rainbows Children’s Hospice.
Kennedy has launched fundraising challenges and events, aiming to raise over £10,000 for the charity.
He credits his grandfather, Walter Bates, with pioneering “Free Days” at the fair, giving underprivileged children access to rides and treats.
Kennedy continues this legacy, blending business with compassion.
Rylan Opens Up About His Romance
Rylan has been candid about his new relationship, noting that he’s “very happy” and that it feels different from past experiences.
He has been publicly dating Kennedy without fans or media noticing, and this is the first man he’s introduced to his family since his divorce from Dan Neal in 2021.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2 and his podcast, Rylan admitted he wanted to embrace love openly, saying he wasn’t going to let fame stop him from enjoying his relationship.
He also quipped that sharing the romance might finally put rumors about him dating longtime friend Robert Rinder to rest.
A Summer Full of Togetherness
Over the summer, Rylan and Kennedy have been inseparable.
They’ve attended gigs, including Oasis concerts, and Rylan’s family and friends have met Kennedy, describing him as “lovely.”
A source told The Sun on Sunday, “They’re inseparable, they make a lovely couple,” reflecting the joy and connection the pair share.
Love and Legacy
Between Kennedy’s charitable work and family history in the funfair business and Rylan’s openness about his love life, the couple embodies both heart and happiness.
For fans of the presenter, it’s clear that Rylan has found someone who brings out the best in him while continuing a proud tradition of community and giving.
