TV personality Rylan Clark will in Romford next month to wave off hundreds of local women taking part in the Saint Francis Hospice 30th birthday Star Walk.

The huge annual fundraising event, that involves a sponsored 10km night walk in the centre of Romford, finishing about midnight, will have a Rio Carnival theme with live music from Time 107.5 and Latin fiesta fun.

It’s a ladies-only event with men welcome to come along and cheer the participants on.

Rylan Clark, winner of Celebrity Big Brother, former X Factor finalist and now the presenter of Big Brother’s Bit on the Side and a guest presenter on ITV’s This Morning, will be getting walkers fired up by singing and performing on Saturday, July 5.

“I went to school in Upminster and many of my friends are from the local area,” said Rylan. “I’m mates with the 2Shoes girls and I saw them switch on the Christmas lights in Romford Market Place last year.”

“I used to hang out in bars and clubs in Romford so I know how much people there like to have a good time so I’m really looking forward to the 5th of July. It’s like a dream come true – me and loads of girls up for a party night!”

Rylan is a busy man these days: “I keep myself fit by working,” he said. “Big Brother is back in June and Emma (Willis) and I will be on air every night and I’m also working on another TV project with Emma – but I can’t say more about that yet! I’m also on This Morning once or twice a week now but I’m really looking forward to entertaining all the ladies before the start of the Star Walk. Everyone at the hospice is so friendly. I do hope loads of people sign up for the Star Walk as it’s not about whether your family is directly affected it’s just about supporting a really great local organisation that helps so many people.”

Places in the Star Walk are £12 and include a t-shirt and you can book now to join in and see Rylan in action by calling 01708 771427 or going to www.sfh.org.uk/events

The walk is kindly supported by Romford ladies gym GO30