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{{short description|English television presenter}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox person <!-- For individuals; see Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox person
| name = Dermot O'Leary
| image = Dermot O'Leary 20241205.jpg
| image = Dermot Oleary by Walterlan Papetti.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = O'Leary at [[Waterstones]], London in 2024
| caption = O'Leary in 2014
| birth_name = Seán Dermot Fintan O'Leary
| birth_name = Sean Dermot Fintan O'Leary Jr.
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|05|24|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Colchester]], [[Essex]], England
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|05|24|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Colchester]], [[Essex]], England
| citizenship = Ireland
| spouse = {{marriage|Dee Koppang|2012}}
| occupation = Broadcaster
| death_date =
| years_active = 1998–present
| nationality = [[United Kingdom|British]], [[Republic of Ireland|Irish]]
| employer = {{hlist|[[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]|[[BBC]]}}
| occupation = {{Flat list |
| spouse = {{Marriage|Dee Koppang|September 2012}}
| children = 1
* [[Television presenter]]
* [[Disc jockey|DJ]]
}}
}}


'''Seán Dermot Fintan O'Leary''' (born 24 May 1973)<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nzitDwAAQBAJ&dq=dermot+o+leary+1973&pg=PT6 | title=Presenting Dermot O'Leary - the Biography | isbn=978-1-78418-466-7 | last1=Simpson | first1=Neil | date=14 October 2010 | publisher=Kings Road }}</ref> is a British-Irish broadcaster. He presented the television talent show ''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]'' on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] from 2007 until its final series in 2018, with the exception of 2015. Since 2021, O'Leary has presented ITV's ''[[This Morning (TV programme)|This Morning]]'' on Fridays, school holidays and bank holidays alongside [[Alison Hammond]], a role expanded to the remainder of the week on a rotation with the departures of [[Phillip Schofield]] and [[Holly Willoughby]] in the summer and autumn of 2023.
| television = {{Flat list |
* ''[[1 vs. 100 (UK game show)|1 vs. 100]]''
* ''[[Big Brother UK]]''
* ''[[Celebrity Big Brother (UK TV series)|Celebrity Big Brother]]''
* ''[[The X Factor (UK TV series)|The X Factor]]''
* ''[[Soccer Aid]]''
* ''[[National Television Awards]]''
* ''[[The Getaway Car]]''
* ''[[BRIT Awards]]''
}}
| years_active = 1998–present
| website =
| notable_instruments =
}}
'''Sean Dermot Fintan O'Leary Jr.''' (born 24 May 1973), better known as '''Dermot O'Leary''', is a British-Irish television presenter for [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] and a radio presenter for [[BBC Radio 2]].


O'Leary began his radio career working as a [[disc jockey]] at [[Heart Essex (Chelmsford & Southend)|Essex Radio]]. From 2001 to 2003, he was a presenter for London's [[indie rock]] station [[Radio X (United Kingdom)|XFM]]. O'Leary joined [[BBC Radio 2]] in 2004 and currently presents the Saturday morning breakfast show.<ref name=":0" />
O'Leary's radio career began when he worked as a disc jockey at [[Heart Essex (Chelmsford & Southend)|Essex Radio]], but he is best known for being the presenter of ''[[The X Factor (UK TV series)|The X Factor]]'' on [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]], a position he has held every year since 2007 with the exception of 2015, when he stepped down to pursue other ventures. He was replaced by [[Olly Murs]] and [[Caroline Flack]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-x-factor/news/a788461/its-finally-official-dermot-oleary-is-back-as-x-factor-host-to-replace-olly-murs-and-caroline-flack/|title=Dermot makes dramatic return to host X Factor|date=28 March 2016|newspaper=Digital Spy|access-date=22 October 2016}}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
O'Leary was born in [[Colchester]], north [[Essex]], [[England]] to parents Seán and Maria, who had moved to the United Kingdom from [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. He is "extremely proud" of his Irish roots and holds dual British and Irish citizenship.<ref>{{cite news|title=O'Leary talks about his Irish roots|url=http://www.rte.ie/ten/2010/0515/olearyd.html|date=15 May 2010 | work=RTÉ News}}</ref> O'Leary attended primary school in [[Marks Tey]] and later [[St Benedict's Catholic College]] in Colchester. He admits that his relaxed attitude at school caused him to fail all but two of his [[General Certificate of Secondary Education|GCSEs]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Sims, Fiona|title=Fishy Fishy: Dermot O'Leary's restaurant is the reel deal|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article6480736.ece|publisher=The Times|accessdate=29 June 2009|location=London|date=12 June 2009}}</ref> Following that, O'Leary re-took his school leaving qualifications, allowing him to later start his A Level courses at [[Colchester Sixth Form College]]. He eventually studied for a degree in Media Studies with Politics, at [[Middlesex University]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1208085/Were-busy-kids-I-want-career-hungry-girlfriend-marry-reveals-Dermot.html|title = Daily Mail: We're too busy for kids but I do want my career-hungry girlfriend to marry me reveals Dermot|date = 21 August 2009|accessdate = 31 August 2014|website = |publisher = |last = |first = }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Colchester's Dermot O'Leary marries on Friday|url=http://www.essexcountystandard.co.uk/news/9927883.Colchester_s_Dermot_O___Leary_marries_on_Friday/|publisher=[[Essex County Standard]]|date=13 September 2012}}</ref>
Dermot O'Leary was born on 24 May 1973 in [[Colchester|Colchester, Essex]], the son of Irish parents Maria and Seán both from [[County Wexford|Co. Wexford]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/watch/dermot-o'leary's-taste-of-ireland/10a5800/10a5800a0001|title=Dermot O'Leary's Taste of Ireland|date=23 September 2024|website=ITV|access-date=24 September 2024}}</ref> He attended primary school in nearby [[Marks Tey]] and later joined [[St Benedict's Catholic College]] in Colchester. His complacent attitude at school caused him to fail all but two of his [[General Certificate of Secondary Education|GCSEs]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Sims, Fiona|title=Fishy Fishy: Dermot O'Leary's restaurant is the reel deal|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/article6480736.ece|work=The Times|access-date=29 June 2009|location=London|date=12 June 2009|archive-date=3 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403210459/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Following that, O'Leary re-took his school-leaving qualifications. This allowed him to later start his A-Level courses at [[Colchester Sixth Form College]]. He eventually studied for a degree in Media Studies with Politics at [[Middlesex University]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Colchester's Dermot O'Leary marries on Friday|url=http://www.essexcountystandard.co.uk/news/9927883.Colchester_s_Dermot_O___Leary_marries_on_Friday/|publisher=[[Essex County Standard]]|date=13 September 2012|access-date=18 March 2013|archive-date=9 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109212049/http://www.essexcountystandard.co.uk/news/9927883.Colchester_s_Dermot_O___Leary_marries_on_Friday/|url-status=live}}</ref>


Growing up, O'Leary was a member of [[The Boys' Brigade in the United Kingdom|The Boys' Brigade]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLLJQHjmJHb1qTGu9nMgZQ3O44k0yAF-hG&v=0abhIEz_qvE |title=Dermot discusses his dancing - Live Week 5 - The Xtra Factor 2013 |publisher=YouTube |date=11 November 2013 |accessdate=4 July 2014}}</ref>
Growing up, he was a member of [[The Boys' Brigade in the United Kingdom|The Boys' Brigade]] Christian youth organisation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLLJQHjmJHb1qTGu9nMgZQ3O44k0yAF-hG&v=0abhIEz_qvE |title=Dermot discusses his dancing - Live Week 5 - The Xtra Factor 2013 |publisher=YouTube |date=11 November 2013 |access-date=4 July 2014 |archive-date=2 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502074430/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0abhIEz_qvE&list=PLLJQHjmJHb1qTGu9nMgZQ3O44k0yAF-hG |url-status=live }}</ref> When he was in his late teens, he played [[American football]] for the [[Colchester Gladiators]] and the [[Ipswich Cardinals]], where he wore the number 32.


==Career==
==Career==

===Early career===
===Early career===
O'Leary started as a [[disc jockey]] at [[Heart Essex (Chelmsford & Southend)|BBC Essex]]<ref>[http://www.dermotoleary.net/biography.shtml ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326071913/http://www.dermotoleary.net/biography.shtml |date=26 March 2010 }}</ref> based in [[Southend-on-Sea]], before becoming a [[Television crew#Runner|runner]] on the TV show ''[[Light Lunch]]'' with [[Mel Giedroyc]] and [[Sue Perkins]] and then a presenter at [[Channel 4]], part of the original presenting line-up of the channel's ''[[T4 (Channel 4)|T4]]'' strand, before moving on to present ''[[Big Brother's Little Brother]]'' (the companion show to ''[[Big Brother (UK)|Big Brother]]'') on [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]] from 2001 onwards. Also in 2001, O'Leary appeared on [[Lily Savage's Blankety Blank]].<ref name="blanketyblank2">{{cite episode|series=Lily Savage's Blankety Blank|network=[[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]|airdate=25 February 2001}}</ref>
O'Leary started as a [[disc jockey]] at [[BBC Essex]],<ref>[http://www.dermotoleary.net/biography.shtml] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326071913/http://www.dermotoleary.net/biography.shtml|date=26 March 2010}}</ref> based in [[Southend-on-Sea]], before becoming a [[Television crew#Runner|runner]] on the TV show ''[[Light Lunch]]'' with [[Mel Giedroyc]] and [[Sue Perkins]] and then a presenter at [[Channel 4]] as part of the original presenting line-up of the channel's ''[[T4 (Channel 4)|T4]]'' strand, before moving on to present ''[[Big Brother's Little Brother]]'' (the companion show to ''[[Big Brother (British TV series)|Big Brother]]'') on [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]] from 2001 onwards. Also in 2001, O'Leary appeared on [[Lily Savage's Blankety Blank]].<ref name="blanketyblank2">{{cite episode|series=Lily Savage's Blankety Blank|network=[[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]|airdate=25 February 2001}}</ref> In 2004, O'Leary hosted the TV show ''[[Shattered (2004 TV series)|Shattered]]''.


===ITV===
===ITV===
On 29 March 2007, it was announced that O'Leary would replace [[Kate Thornton]] as the new host of [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]'s ''[[The X Factor (UK TV series)|The X Factor]]'' for at least two series. While presenting the show he reportedly upset [[Celine Dion]], later saying he ''"literally had to shut her up"''.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121026062726/http://www.rte.ie/ten/2007/1214/olearyd.html "Dermot O'Leary upsets Celine Dion"]. [[Raidió Teilifís Éireann|RTÉ]] Entertainment (14 December 2007)</ref>
On 29 March 2007, it was announced that O'Leary would replace [[Kate Thornton]] as the new host of [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]'s ''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]'' for at least two series. On 27 March 2015, O'Leary confirmed that he had quit ''The X Factor'' after eight years to pursue other projects. Via his Twitter account, he said:
{{blockquote|Good afternoon. After eight wonderful years on ''The X Factor'' it's time for me to move on. I'd like to thank ITV, Simon, ''The X Factor'' family and particularly the viewers, all of whom have been a big part of my life for so long. I'd like to wish the team all the best for the future, especially whoever takes over from me.}}

O'Leary was replaced by [[Olly Murs]] and [[Caroline Flack]], who previously co-hosted ''[[The Xtra Factor (British TV series)|The Xtra Factor]]'', the behind-the-scenes companion programme, together in 2011 and 2012.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/the-x-factor/news/a788461/its-finally-official-dermot-oleary-is-back-as-x-factor-host-to-replace-olly-murs-and-caroline-flack/|title=Dermot makes dramatic return to host X Factor|date=28 March 2016|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=22 October 2016|archive-date=10 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110155653/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a788461/its-finally-official-dermot-oleary-makes-dramatic-return-to-host-the-x-factor-a-year-after-he-quit/|url-status=live}}</ref>


On 29 March 2016, O'Leary returned to ''The X Factor'' as a presenter, replacing Murs and Flack, for the show's [[The X Factor (British series 13)|13th series]]. In a statement, he said: {{blockquote|"I'm very flattered to be asked back to The X Factor, and am currently dusting off my dancing shoes. There is nothing more exciting than hosting live TV on a Saturday night. The show is naturally very close to my heart, after having hosted it for 8 years. I’m really looking forward to it, and excited to be back."<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|title=Dermot O'Leary returns 'home' to ''The X Factor''|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35912648|access-date=29 March 2016|work=[[BBC News]]|publisher=[[BBC]]|date=29 March 2016|location=United Kingdom|archive-date=29 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329053347/http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-35912648|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
On 27 March 2015, O'Leary confirmed that he had quit ''[[The X Factor (UK TV series)|The X Factor]]'' after 8 years to pursue other projects. Via his Twitter account he said:
{{quote|Good afternoon. After eight wonderful years on The X Factor it's time for me to move on. I'd like to thank ITV, Simon, The X Factor family and particularly the viewers, all of whom have been a big part of my life for so long. I'd like to wish the team all the best for the future, especially whoever takes over from me.}}


From 2010 to 2019, O'Leary presented the ''[[National Television Awards]]'' for ITV. Since 2010, O'Leary has hosted ''[[Soccer Aid]]'' on ITV, a celebrity football match in aid of the charity [[Unicef]]. In 2011, O'Leary hosted the Saturday night entertainment show ''[[The Marriage Ref (British TV series)|The Marriage Ref]]'' on ITV. In September 2013, O'Leary hosted ''BRITs Icon: Elton John'', a one-off music celebration for ITV.
It was announced on 16 April 2015, that O'Leary's replacements would be [[Olly Murs]] and [[Caroline Flack]] who previously co-hosted ''[[The Xtra Factor (UK TV series)|The Xtra Factor]]'' together in 2011 and 2012. O'Leary returned to the show the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/x-factor-returns-and-dermot-oleary-back|title=The X Factor returns… and Dermot O'Leary is back|publisher=}}</ref>


In 2013, O'Leary presented the ITV campaign ''[[From the Heart (TV campaign)|From the Heart]]'', which encouraged viewers to consider organ donation. In January 2014, O'Leary filled in for [[Phillip Schofield]] for a week when he guest presented ''[[This Morning (TV programme)|This Morning]]'' opposite [[Holly Willoughby]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a536145/dermot-oleary-to-guest-present-this-morning-in-january.html |title=Dermot O'Leary to guest present This Morning in January - TV News |publisher=Digital Spy |date=5 December 2013 |access-date=4 July 2014 |archive-date=10 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010045730/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a536145/dermot-oleary-to-guest-present-this-morning-in-january.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
From 2010 to 2019, O'Leary presented ''[[National Television Awards]]'' for [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]]. In 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016, O'Leary hosted ''[[Soccer Aid]]'' on [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]], a celebrity football match in aid of the charity, [[Unicef]]. In 2011, O'Leary hosted the Saturday night entertainment show ''[[The Marriage Ref (UK TV series)|The Marriage Ref]]'' on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]. In September 2013, O'Leary hosted [[ITV Music Specials|BRITs Icon: Elton John]], a one-off music celebration for [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]].


In 2017, O'Leary co-presented the 37th [[BRIT Awards]] with [[Emma Willis]]. In March 2017, O'Leary guest-presented nine episodes of ''[[The Nightly Show (UK TV series)|The Nightly Show]]'' on ITV.
In 2013, O'Leary presented the [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] campaign ''[[From the Heart (TV campaign)|From the Heart]]'', which encouraged viewers to consider organ donation. In January 2014, O'Leary filled in for [[Phillip Schofield]] for a week, when he guest presented ''[[This Morning (TV programme)|This Morning]]'' opposite [[Holly Willoughby]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a536145/dermot-oleary-to-guest-present-this-morning-in-january.html |title=Dermot O'Leary to guest present This Morning in January - TV News |publisher=Digital Spy |date=5 December 2013 |accessdate=4 July 2014}}</ref>


In November 2020, it was announced that [[Eamonn Holmes]] and [[Ruth Langsford]] had been dropped from their Friday slot on ''This Morning'' after 14 years. [[Alison Hammond]] and O'Leary were announced to takeover the slot later that month.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/eamonn-holmes-and-ruth-langsford-23010533.amp|title=Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford dropped from This Morning slot and replaced by Alison and Dermot|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=14 November 2020|access-date=30 November 2020|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125055310/https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/eamonn-holmes-and-ruth-langsford-23010533.amp|url-status=live}}</ref> They presented their first show in January 2021.
In 2017, O'Leary co-presented the 37th ''[[BRIT Awards]]'' with [[Emma Willis]]. In March 2017, O'Leary guest presented nine episodes of ''[[The Nightly Show (UK TV series)|The Nightly Show]]'' on [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]].


===Channel 4===
===Channel 4===
On 27 November 2007, it was announced that ''[[Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack (UK)|Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack]]'' was to be O'Leary's last series of ''Big Brother'', and that he would not return in summer 2008. After seven years he made his final ''Big Brother'' appearance on 28 January 2008.
On 27 November 2007, it was announced that ''[[Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack (UK)|Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack]]'' was to be O'Leary's last series of ''Big Brother''. After seven years, he made his final ''Big Brother'' appearance on 28 January 2008.


In March 2007 O'Leary signed a year long contract with [[Channel 4]] in order to appear on ''[[Hollyoaks]]''. However, this was shortened after a series of disputes on set. Writer at the time Jim Rowe said, "He could't follow even the simplest commands. It goes to show how vastly different presenting is to acting". O'Leary hasn't acted since. In 2009, Dermot presented an episode of ''[[The Paul O'Grady Show]]'', standing in for [[Paul O'Grady]].
In March 2007, O'Leary signed a year-long contract with Channel 4 to appear on ''[[Hollyoaks]]''.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} However, this was shortened after a series of disputes on set. Jim Rowe, a series writer at the time, said, "He couldn't follow even the simplest commands. It goes to show how vastly different presenting is to acting". O'Leary hasn't acted since.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} In 2009, O'Leary presented an episode of ''[[The Paul O'Grady Show]]'', standing in for [[Paul O'Grady]].


In March 2014, O'Leary made a return to [[Channel 4]], where he presented the ''Live From Space'' season for three consecutive nights on the channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a542736/dermot-oleary-fronts-live-from-space-season-for-channel-4.html |title=Dermot O'Leary fronts Live from Space Season for Channel 4 - TV News |publisher=Digital Spy |date=9 January 2014 |accessdate=4 July 2014}}</ref>
In March 2014, O'Leary made a return to Channel 4, where he presented the ''Live From Space'' season for three consecutive nights.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a542736/dermot-oleary-fronts-live-from-space-season-for-channel-4.html |title=Dermot O'Leary fronts Live from Space Season for Channel 4 - TV News |publisher=Digital Spy |date=9 January 2014 |access-date=4 July 2014 |archive-date=2 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902074503/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a542736/dermot-oleary-fronts-live-from-space-season-for-channel-4.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


===BBC===
===BBC===
O'Leary was a presenter of ''[[Comic Relief]]'' in 2005, 2011 and 2013. He also presented ''[[Sport Relief]]'' in 2012. In August 2006, O'Leary signed a deal to present the game show ''[[1 vs. 100 (UK game show)|1 vs. 100]]'', which aired on Saturday nights on [[BBC One]] in combination with [[The National Lottery Draws]].
O'Leary was a presenter for ''[[Comic Relief]]'' in 2005, 2011 and 2013. He also presented ''[[Sport Relief]]'' in 2012. In August 2006, O'Leary signed a deal to present the game show ''[[1 vs. 100 (British game show)|1 vs. 100]]'', which aired on Saturday nights on [[BBC One]] in combination with [[The National Lottery Draws]].


In May 2009, O'Leary became the presenter of [[Matt Lucas (comedian)|Matt Lucas]] and [[David Walliams]]' show ''[[Rock Profile]]'' on the BBC.<ref>[http://www.funnyordie.co.uk/videos/f6bb86d6d0/rock-profile-episode-one-peter-andre-and-jordan-pt-1 Rock Profile:Peter Andre & Jordan Pt.1] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729033635/http://www.funnyordie.co.uk/videos/f6bb86d6d0/rock-profile-episode-one-peter-andre-and-jordan-pt-1 |date=29 July 2010 }} Funny or Die</ref>
In May 2009, O'Leary became the presenter of [[Matt Lucas (comedian)|Matt Lucas]] and [[David Walliams]]'s show ''[[Rock Profile]]'' on BBC.<ref>[http://www.funnyordie.co.uk/videos/f6bb86d6d0/rock-profile-episode-one-peter-andre-and-jordan-pt-1 Rock Profile:Peter Andre & Jordan Pt.1] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729033635/http://www.funnyordie.co.uk/videos/f6bb86d6d0/rock-profile-episode-one-peter-andre-and-jordan-pt-1 |date=29 July 2010 }} Funny or Die</ref>


In March 2010, O'Leary hosted a spin-off edition of the [[BBC One]] show ''[[Question Time (TV series)|Question Time]]'', which aired on [[BBC Three]], aimed at first time voters.<ref>[http://www.rte.ie/arts/2010/0212/olearyd.html O'Leary to host episode of Question Time]. [[Raidió Teilifís Éireann|RTÉ]] Intertainment. 12 February 2010.</ref> He also presented ''Dermot Meets...'', a series which saw him interview the likes of [[David Cameron]], [[Gordon Brown]], Danny Mulhern and [[Nick Clegg]].
In March 2010, O'Leary hosted a spin-off edition of the BBC One show ''[[Question Time (TV series)|Question Time]]'' aimed at first time voters, which aired on [[BBC Three]].<ref>[http://www.rte.ie/arts/2010/0212/olearyd.html O'Leary to host episode of Question Time] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327182350/http://www.rte.ie/arts/2010/0212/olearyd.html |date=27 March 2010 }}. [[RTÉ]] Intertainment. 12 February 2010.</ref> He also presented ''Dermot Meets...'', a series which saw him interview the likes of [[David Cameron]], [[Gordon Brown]], and [[Nick Clegg]].


In November 2015, O'Leary replaced [[Terry Wogan|Sir Terry Wogan]] on ''[[Children in Need]]'', due to ill health.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34803750|title=Dermot O'Leary replaces Sir Terry Wogan on Children in Need|publisher=BBC News|date=13 November 2015}}</ref>
In November 2015, O'Leary replaced [[Terry Wogan]] on ''[[Children in Need]]'' due to Wogan's cancer-related ill health, from which he died a couple of months later.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34803750|title=Dermot O'Leary replaces Sir Terry Wogan on Children in Need|work=BBC News|date=13 November 2015|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=15 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115045450/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-34803750|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2016, O'Leary presented the [[BBC One]] Saturday night game show ''[[The Getaway Car]]''. The series was filmed in November 2015 and began airing in January 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lostintv.com/tv-show?id=666|title=Lost in TV - free tickets to your FAVOURITE television shows|work=lostintv.com|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907040431/http://lostintv.com/tv-show?id=666|archivedate=7 September 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> He has also guest presented two episodes of ''[[The One Show]]'' with [[Alex Jones (Welsh presenter)|Alex Jones]].
In 2016, O'Leary presented the BBC One Saturday night game show ''[[The Getaway Car]]''. The series was filmed in November 2015 and began airing in January 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lostintv.com/tv-show?id=666|title=Lost in TV - free tickets to your FAVOURITE television shows|work=lostintv.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907040431/http://lostintv.com/tv-show?id=666|archive-date=7 September 2015}}</ref> He has also guest-presented two episodes of ''[[The One Show]]'' with [[Alex Jones (Welsh presenter)|Alex Jones]].


===Radio===
===Radio===
O'Leary joined London's [[Indie rock]] station [[XFM]] in 2001 firstly presenting weekday mid-mornings from 10{{nbsp}}am to 1{{nbsp}}pm, before moving to a Saturday evening show in mid-2002, where he remained until late 2003.
O'Leary joined London's [[indie rock]] station [[XFM]] in 2001, firstly presenting weekday mid-mornings from 10{{nbsp}}am to 1{{nbsp}}pm, before moving to a Saturday evening show in mid-2002, where he remained until late 2003.


O'Leary joined [[BBC Radio 2]] in September 2004, presenting a Saturday afternoon show entitled ''Dermot's Saturday Club'' which ran from 2{{nbsp}}pm to 4{{nbsp}}pm. Following a number of changes to the length and timing of O'Leary's programme, due in part to the arrival of [[Chris Evans (presenter)|Chris Evans]] to Radio 2 and his role as presenter of ''[[The X Factor (UK)|The X Factor]]'', his show was broadcast between 3{{nbsp}}pm and 6{{nbsp}}pm from April 2009 {{Citation needed|date=November 2010}}until its end on 21 January 2017, and focused on new music and live sessions, and has featured live sessions from the likes of [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]], [[Supergrass]], [[the Raconteurs]], [[Massive Attack]], [[Kasabian]], the [[Guillemots (band)|Guillemots]], [[the Zutons]], [[Alesha Dixon]], [[Beck]], [[the Lemonheads]], [[Lily Allen]], [[Foo Fighters]], [[the Go! Team]], [[Bloc Party]], [[Ben Kweller]], [[the Magic Numbers]], Mynoni and Friends, [[Moby]] and [[Kate Nash]]. O'Leary also hosts Radio 2's coverage of the [[Brit Awards]] and [[South by Southwest]]. He won a [[Sony Award|Sony Gold Award]] for Music Programme of the Year in 2008 and again in 2010 and 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/dermot/ |title=BBC Radio 2 - Dermot O'Leary |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=1 January 1970 |accessdate=4 July 2014}}</ref> Since March 2017, O'Leary has presented the Saturday morning Breakfast show on [[BBC Radio 2]] between 8{{nbsp}}am and 10{{nbsp}}am.<ref>{{cite web|author=Lewis Carnie, Head of Radio 2 |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2017/radio-2-schedule-changes |title=Radio 2 announces schedule changes - Media Centre |publisher=BBC |date=2017-02-10 |accessdate=2018-09-03}}</ref>
O'Leary joined [[BBC Radio 2]] in September 2004, presenting a Saturday afternoon show titled ''Dermot's Saturday Club'', which ran from 2{{nbsp}}pm to 4{{nbsp}}pm. Following a number of changes to the length and timing of O'Leary's programme, due in part to the arrival of [[Chris Evans (presenter)|Chris Evans]] to Radio 2 and his role as presenter of ''The X Factor'', his show was broadcast between 3{{nbsp}}pm and 6{{nbsp}}pm from April 2009{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}} until its end on 21 January 2017. It focused on new music and had featured live sessions. O'Leary also hosted Radio 2's coverage of the BRIT Awards and [[South by Southwest]]. He won [[Sony Award|Sony Gold Award]]s for Music Programme of the Year in 2008, 2010, and 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/dermot/ |title=BBC Radio 2 - Dermot O'Leary |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=1 January 1970 |access-date=4 July 2014 |archive-date=23 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023163951/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/dermot/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Since March 2017, O'Leary has presented the Saturday morning breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 between 8{{nbsp}}am and 10{{nbsp}}am, taking over the slot from [[Brian Matthew]] and [[Sounds of the 60s]], which moved to an earlier time of 6am with [[Tony Blackburn]] as presenter.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |author=Lewis Carnie, Head of Radio 2 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2017/radio-2-schedule-changes |title=Radio 2 announces schedule changes - Media Centre |publisher=BBC |date=10 February 2017 |access-date=3 September 2018 |archive-date=27 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027234907/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2017/radio-2-schedule-changes |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Other work===
In March 2009, O'Leary introduced [[Michael Jackson]] to an audience of fans at [[The O2]] in what turned out to be Jackson's final public appearance before [[Death of Michael Jackson|his death]].<ref>Youngs, Ian (5 March 2009) [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7925388.stm 'Final curtain call' for Jackson] [[BBC News Online]]</ref><ref>[http://www.nme.com/news/michael-jackson/43249 "Michael Jackson announces O2 Arena London gigs - and retirement?"] [[NME]] 5 March 2009</ref>


O'Leary sits in for [[Zoe Ball]]'s Radio 2 [[The Radio 2 Breakfast Show|breakfast show]] when she's off for a holiday or on a break.
In 2015, he was named one of [[GQ]]'s 50 best dressed British men.<ref>{{cite news|title=50 Best Dressed Men in Britain 2015 |url=http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2015-01/05/best-dressed-men-2015/ |work=GQ |date=5 January 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107145128/http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2015-01/05/best-dressed-men-2015 |archivedate=7 January 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref>


===Other work===
He has voiced television advertisements for [[Amazon.com|Amazon Prime]]. In 2017, he released a children's book called ''Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toto-Ninja-Great-Snake-Escape-ebook/dp/B06XWGWG4S |title=Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape: Book 1 eBook: Dermot O'Leary, Nick East: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2018-09-03}}</ref>
In March 2009, O'Leary introduced [[Michael Jackson]] to an audience of fans at [[The O2]] in what turned out to be Jackson's final public appearance before [[Death of Michael Jackson|his death]].<ref>Youngs, Ian (5 March 2009) [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7925388.stm 'Final curtain call' for Jackson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930101743/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7925388.stm |date=30 September 2009 }} [[BBC News Online]]</ref><ref>[https://www.nme.com/news/michael-jackson/43249 "Michael Jackson announces O2 Arena London gigs - and retirement?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070516/http://www.nme.com/news/michael-jackson/43249 |date=4 March 2016 }} [[NME]] 5 March 2009</ref>


In 2015, he was named one of [[GQ]]'s 50 Best Dressed Men in Britain.<ref>{{cite news|title=50 Best Dressed Men in Britain 2015 |url=http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2015-01/05/best-dressed-men-2015/ |work=GQ |date=5 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107145128/http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2015-01/05/best-dressed-men-2015 |archive-date=7 January 2015 }}</ref>
==Personal life==
O'Leary supports [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]], [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]] and [[London Irish|London Irish RUFC]]. He can be heard on the 'Footballistically Arsenal' podcast with his friends and fellow Arsenal fans Dan Baldwin and [[Boyd Hilton]], and on this show it was mentioned that he owns shares in the club. He supports [[Wexford GAA]] in [[Gaelic Games]], attending matches in the past. During an appearance as a studio guest on ''[[Fantasy Football League|Fantasy Football Euro 2004]]'', O'Leary spoke of his support for the [[Republic of Ireland national football team|Republic of Ireland football team]] and [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland Rugby Union team]].


He has voiced television advertisements for [[Amazon Prime]]. In 2017, he released a children's book called ''Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape''.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toto-Ninja-Great-Snake-Escape-ebook/dp/B06XWGWG4S |title=Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape: Book 1 eBook: Dermot O'Leary, Nick East: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store |date=21 September 2017 |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=3 September 2018 |archive-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904011322/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toto-Ninja-Great-Snake-Escape-ebook/dp/B06XWGWG4S |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2024, he released another children's book called ''Wings of Glory''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Wings of Glory|id={{ASIN|1444961632|country=uk}} }}</ref>
When O'Leary was in his late teens, he played [[American football]] for his local team, the [[Colchester Gladiators (American football)|Colchester Gladiators]] and Ipswich Cardinals, where he wore the number 32.


==Charity work==
O'Leary ran the 2005 [[London Marathon]] for the third time; he completed it under four hours for the first time. In 2007 he was an [[Church usher|usher]] at the wedding of [[Holly Willoughby]].<ref>[https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/02/26/holly-willoughby-exclusive-why-she-loves-wearing-those-revealing-dresses-89520-20332230 Holly Willoughby exclusive: Why she loves wearing those revealing dresses]. ''[[Daily Mirror]]''.</ref>
O'Leary opened [[The Rodillian Academy]] in 2001. He is one of nine presidents of [[Young People's Trust for the Environment|Better Planet Education]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Our Team - Presidents, Trustees and Staff - Better Planet Education |url=https://betterplaneteducation.org.uk/team#Presidents |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704141230/http://ypte.org.uk/team#Presidents |archive-date=4 July 2017 |access-date=16 September 2024 |work=Better Planet Education}}</ref> and is a patron of the international children's film festival [[CineMagic (film festival)|CineMagic]], a registered charity for young people based in [[Belfast]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinemagic.org.uk//about-us/festival-patrons/dermot-oleary|title=Dermot O'Leary - Cinemagic|work=cinemagic.org.uk|access-date=13 March 2015|archive-date=4 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404112633/http://www.cinemagic.org.uk//about-us/festival-patrons/dermot-oleary|url-status=live}}</ref> He has campaigned on behalf of [[Make Poverty History]], and visited [[Sierra Leone]] with [[CAFOD]] accompanied by his father. He is also a patron of the male cancer awareness campaign [[Everyman Campaign|Everyman]]. In 2003, he played in a charity match for the Colchester Gladiators as a [[punt returner]], helping to raise £2,500 for the [[Barnardo's]] children's fund.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eteamz.com/sites/colchestergladiators/news/index.cfm?cat=237582|title=Team History|publisher=Colchester Gladiators American Football Club|access-date=21 May 2008|archive-date=14 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614173028/http://www.eteamz.com/sites/colchestergladiators/news/index.cfm?cat=237582|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Match%20reports/20031019ColchesterEssex.htm |title=Colchester Gladiators - 20th Anniversary Reunion Game |publisher=Britball Now |date=19 October 2003 |access-date=13 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218153646/http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Match%2Breports/20031019ColchesterEssex.htm |archive-date=18 December 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In 2005, O'Leary ran the [[London Marathon]] for the third time, completing it for his first time under four hours.
O'Leary is a practising [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]].<ref>{{cite news | url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/3635587/Dermot-OLeary-The-real-Dermot-stands-up.html | title= Dermot O'Leary: The real Dermot stands up | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Peter | last=Stanford | date=11 February 2008 | accessdate=23 January 2016}}</ref> He has expressed political support for the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]], identifying himself as a [[socialism|socialist]].<ref>Rookwood, Dan (7 February 2003) [http://sport.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,889359,00.html Small Talk: Dermot O'Leary,] ''[[The Guardian]]''</ref>


In March 2014, along with [[Jeremy Kyle]], [[Bill Bailey]], [[John Prescott]], [[Richard Osman]], [[Rizzle Kicks]], [[Louis Smith (gymnast)|Louis Smith]], [[Levi Roots]], and [[Ricky Wilson (British musician)|Ricky Wilson]], O'Leary [[Undergarment#Not wearing undergarments|went commando]] for charity to raise awareness of testicular cancer. The promo was released on 24 February 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.thedrum.com/news/2014/02/24/john-prescott-dermot-oleary-bill-bailey-and-keith-lemon-go-commando-male-cancer |title=John Prescott, Dermot O'Leary, Bill Bailey and Keith Lemon go commando for Male Cancer Awareness Campaign &#124; The Drum |publisher=M.thedrum.com |date=24 February 2014 |access-date=4 July 2014 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714223951/http://m.thedrum.com/news/2014/02/24/john-prescott-dermot-oleary-bill-bailey-and-keith-lemon-go-commando-male-cancer |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 19 November 2011 during an episode of ''[[The Xtra Factor (UK TV series)|The Xtra Factor]]'', it was announced that O'Leary was engaged to his long-term girlfriend Dee Koppang. They married at St Mary's Church, [[Chiddingstone]], [[Kent]] on 14 September 2012, arriving at the church in a Mercedes-Benz Pagoda.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bull |first=Sarah |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2203327/Dermot-OLeary-wedding-Presenter-kisses-Dee-Koppang-intimate-ceremony.html |title=Sealed with a kiss! Dermot O'Leary gives bride Dee a smooch as pair wed after 10 years together |publisher=Daily Mail |date=14 September 2012 |accessdate=31 August 2013 |location=London}}</ref><ref>Fulton, Rick (30 September 2005) [http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=16191342&method=full&siteid=66633&headline=relax--girls--dermot-is-not-getting-married--name_page.html Relax, Girls, Dermot Is Not Getting Married] ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|The Daily Record]]''</ref><ref>Williams, Andrew (23 July 2007) [http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/interviews/article.html?in_article_id=58400&in_page_id=11 60 SECONDS: Dermot O'Leary] ''[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]]''</ref><ref>[http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article2800656.ece "My Secret Life: Dermot O'Leary, broadcaster"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930202425/http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article2800656.ece |date=30 September 2007 }}, ''[[The Independent]]'' 28 July 2007</ref> With reference to starting a family, O'Leary stated that he would like to have children, but his career was "hectic".


For [[Red Nose Day 2015]], O'Leary participated in a 24-hour dance to raise money for Comic Relief.<ref name=discodermot>{{cite web|last1=Austin|first1=Ellie|title=Disco Dermot: Why I chose to dance for Comic Relief|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-03-12/disco-dermot-why-i-chose-to-dance-for-comic-relief|publisher=[[Radio Times]]|access-date=12 March 2015|archive-date=15 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315144920/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-03-12/disco-dermot-why-i-chose-to-dance-for-comic-relief|url-status=live}}</ref>
O'Leary co-owned the Fishy Fishy restaurants in [[Brighton]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/8234620.Dermot_O%20___Leary_pledges_future_to_Brighton/|title=Dermot O'Leary pledges future to Brighton|publisher=The Argus (Brighton)|date=24 June 2010|accessdate=24 June 2010}}</ref> and [[Poole]]. The Poole restaurant closed in 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2013-03-10/dermot-oleary-forced-to-close-fish-restaurant/ |title=Dermot O'Leary 'forced to close' fish restaurant - ITV News |publisher=Itv.com |date=10 March 2013 |accessdate=4 July 2014}}</ref> and the Brighton restaurant closed in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/14186076.Dermot_O_Leary_s_Brighton_restaurant_Fishy_Fishy_hits_the_rocks/|title=Dermot O'Leary's Brighton restaurant Fishy Fishy hits the rocks|publisher=}}</ref>


===Charity===
==Personal life==
O'Leary married his long-term girlfriend, Dee Koppang, in [[Chiddingstone]] in September 2012.<ref>[http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article2800656.ece "My Secret Life: Dermot O'Leary, broadcaster"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930202425/http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article2800656.ece |date=30 September 2007 }}, ''[[The Independent]]'' 28 July 2007</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Gordon|first1=Naomi|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a406058/dermot-oleary-marries-long-term-girlfriend-dee-koppang-picture/|title=Dermot O'Leary marries long-term girlfriend Dee Koppang – picture|website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=14 September 2012|access-date=25 October 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028205504/https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a406058/dermot-oleary-marries-long-term-girlfriend-dee-koppang-picture/|url-status=live}}</ref> Koppang is of [[Norwegians|Norwegian]] descent.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmCqiIJ4wvE |title=Britain's Got Talent Winner Viggo Venn - 21/07/2023 |date=2023-07-21 |last=LU7 Television Clips Xtra |access-date=2024-12-15 |via=YouTube}}</ref> They have one son, Kasper, who was born in June 2020.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hegarty|first1=Tasha|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a33167262/dermot-oleary-dee-koppang-baby-name-kasper/|title=Dermot O'Leary confirms baby son's name in adorable radio show link|website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=4 July 2020|access-date=25 October 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028205009/https://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a33167262/dermot-oleary-dee-koppang-baby-name-kasper/|url-status=live}}</ref>
O'Leary is one of nine presidents of [[Young People's Trust for the Environment|The Young People's Trust for the Environment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ypte.org.uk/team#Presidents|title=Our Team - Presidents, Trustees and Staff - Young People's Trust For the Environment|work=Young People's Trust For the Environment}}</ref>


In a 2003 interview, O'Leary praised the [[Socialist Workers Party (UK)|Socialist Workers Party]] but quipped that they would "take all of [his] money", so he instead supported the [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]].<ref>Rookwood, Dan (7 February 2003) [http://sport.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,889359,00.html Small Talk: Dermot O'Leary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070619031431/http://sport.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,889359,00.html |date=19 June 2007 }}, ''[[The Guardian]]''</ref> He supports [[Arsenal F.C.]], [[Celtic F.C.]] and [[London Irish|London Irish RFC]].<ref>{{cite news | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/borntowin/hi/the_mentors/newsid_3201000/3201517.stm | title= Meet Dermot O'Leary | work=BBC | date= 2 September 2003 | access-date=9 October 2022}}</ref> He can be heard on the ''Footballistically Arsenal'' podcast with his friends and fellow Arsenal fans Dan Baldwin and Boyd Hilton; on the show, it was mentioned that he owns shares in the club. He supports [[Wexford GAA]] in [[Gaelic games]]. During a studio guest appearance on ''[[Fantasy Football League (TV series)|Fantasy Football Euro 2004]]'', he spoke of his support for the [[Republic of Ireland]] national football team and the [[Ireland national rugby union team|national rugby union team]].
Dermot is a patron of international children's film festival [[CineMagic (film festival)|CineMagic]], a registered charity for young people, based in [[Belfast]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinemagic.org.uk//about-us/festival-patrons/dermot-oleary|title=Dermot O'Leary - Cinemagic|work=cinemagic.org.uk}}</ref>


In 2007, O'Leary was an [[Church usher|usher]] at the wedding of [[Holly Willoughby]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Holly Willoughby exclusive: Why she loves wearing those revealing dresses |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/02/26/holly-willoughby-exclusive-why-she-loves-wearing-those-revealing-dresses-89520-20332230 |publisher=[[Daily Mirror]] |access-date=27 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214141227/http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/holly-willoughby-exclusive-why-she-loves-wearing-295326 |archive-date=14 February 2012 |date=26 February 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> He is a practising [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-features/cheerful-soundtrack-to-dermot-olearys-happy-life-30744991.html|title=Cheerful soundtrack to Dermot O'Leary's happy life|website=Independent.ie|date=17 November 2014 |access-date=23 December 2019|archive-date=23 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223205122/https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-features/cheerful-soundtrack-to-dermot-olearys-happy-life-30744991.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with [[Peter Stanford]] of the ''Daily Telegraph'' in February 2008, he "cheerfully" admitted using contraception while living with his future wife: "I do get it in the neck from some Catholics who say I am a buffet Catholic, picking and choosing the bits I like or don't like."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/3635587/Dermot-OLeary-The-real-Dermot-stands-up.html | title=Dermot O'Leary: The real Dermot stands up | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Peter | last=Stanford | date=11 February 2008 | access-date=23 January 2016 | archive-date=3 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303114933/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/3635587/Dermot-OLeary-The-real-Dermot-stands-up.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
O'Leary has campaigned on behalf of [[Make Poverty History]], and has visited [[Sierra Leone]] with [[CAFOD]] accompanied by his father. He is also a patron of the male cancer awareness campaign, [[Everyman Campaign|Everyman]]. In 2003, he played in a charity match for the Colchester Gladiators as a [[punt returner]], helping to raise £2,500 for the [[Barnardo's]] children's fund.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eteamz.com/sites/colchestergladiators/news/index.cfm?cat=237582|title=Team History|publisher=Colchester Gladiators American Football Club|accessdate=21 May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Match%20reports/20031019ColchesterEssex.htm |title=Colchester Gladiators - 20th Anniversary Reunion Game |publisher=Britball Now |date=19 October 2003 |accessdate=13 May 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218153646/http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Match%2Breports/20031019ColchesterEssex.htm |archivedate=18 December 2007 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>


O'Leary co-owned the Fishy Fishy restaurants in [[Brighton]] and [[Poole]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/8234620.Dermot_O%20___Leary_pledges_future_to_Brighton/|title=Dermot O'Leary pledges future to Brighton|publisher=The Argus (Brighton)|date=24 June 2010|access-date=24 June 2010|archive-date=10 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110040002/http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/8234620.Dermot_O%20___Leary_pledges_future_to_Brighton/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Poole restaurant closed in 2013,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itv.com/news/update/2013-03-10/dermot-oleary-forced-to-close-fish-restaurant/ |title=Dermot O'Leary 'forced to close' fish restaurant - ITV News |publisher=Itv.com |date=10 March 2013 |access-date=4 July 2014 |archive-date=27 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727155522/http://www.itv.com/news/update/2013-03-10/dermot-oleary-forced-to-close-fish-restaurant/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Brighton restaurant closed in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/14186076.Dermot_O_Leary_s_Brighton_restaurant_Fishy_Fishy_hits_the_rocks/|title=Dermot O'Leary's Brighton restaurant Fishy Fishy hits the rocks|date=7 January 2016 |access-date=8 January 2016|archive-date=26 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126003521/http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/14186076.Dermot_O_Leary_s_Brighton_restaurant_Fishy_Fishy_hits_the_rocks/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 7 March 2014, along with [[Jeremy Kyle]], [[Bill Bailey]], [[John Prescott]], [[Richard Osman]], [[Rizzle Kicks]], [[Louis Smith (gymnast)|Louis Smith]], [[Levi Roots]], and [[Ricky Wilson (British musician)|Ricky Wilson]], O'Leary went commando for charity to raise awareness of testicular cancer. The promo was released on 24 February 2014.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://m.thedrum.com/news/2014/02/24/john-prescott-dermot-oleary-bill-bailey-and-keith-lemon-go-commando-male-cancer |title=John Prescott, Dermot O'Leary, Bill Bailey and Keith Lemon go commando for Male Cancer Awareness Campaign &#124; The Drum |publisher=M.thedrum.com |date=24 February 2014 |accessdate=4 July 2014}}</ref>


==Television==
For [[Red Nose Day 2015]], O'Leary participated in a 24-hour dance to raise money for [[Comic Relief]].<ref name=discodermot>{{cite web|last1=Austin|first1=Ellie|title=Disco Dermot: Why I chose to dance for Comic Relief|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-03-12/disco-dermot-why-i-chose-to-dance-for-comic-relief|publisher=[[Radio Times]]|accessdate=12 March 2015}}</ref>
{{BLP sources section|date=November 2023}}

==Filmography==
===Television===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
! Year
! Year
! Title
! Title
! Channel
! Role
! Role
! Notes
! Notes
Line 125: Line 109:
| 1998–2001
| 1998–2001
| ''[[T4 (Channel 4)|T4]]''
| ''[[T4 (Channel 4)|T4]]''
| rowspan="3" | Presenter
| [[Channel 4]]
| Presenter
|
|
|-
|-
| 1999
| 1999
| ''The Dog's Balearics''
| ''The Dog's Balearics''
| [[Channel 4]]
| Presenter
|
|
|-
|-
| 2000
| 2002–2003
| ''[[Re:covered]]''
| ''The Barfly Sessions''
| [[BBC Choice]], [[BBC Three]]
| Presenter
|
|
|-
|-
| 2000, 2008, 2009
| 2000, 2008, 2009
| ''[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]''
| ''[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]''
| Guest Team Captain / Guest Presenter
| [[BBC One]]
| Guest team captain/Guest presenter
| 3 episodes
| 3 episodes
|-
|-
| 2001–2008
| 2001–2008
| ''[[Big Brother's Little Brother]]''
| ''[[Big Brother's Little Brother]]''
| rowspan="6" | Presenter
| [[Channel 4]], [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]]
| Presenter
|
|
|-
|2002
|''[[Top of the Pops]]''
|2 episodes
|-
| 2002–2003
| ''[[Re:covered]]''
|
|-
| 2002–2004
| ''[[SAS: Are You Tough Enough?]]''
| 3 series
|-
|-
| 2003
| 2003
| ''[[Teen Big Brother: The Experiment]]''
| ''[[Teen Big Brother: The Experiment]]''
| [[Channel 4]], [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]]
| Presenter
|
|
|-
|-
| 2004
| 2004
| ''[[Shattered (2004 TV series)|Shattered]]''
| ''[[Shattered (2004 TV series)|Shattered]]''
| [[Channel 4]]
| Presenter
| 7 episodes
| 7 episodes
|-
|-
| 2005, 2011, 2013
| 2005, 2011–2013
| ''[[Comic Relief]]''
| ''[[Comic Relief]]''
| [[BBC One]]
| Co-presenter
| Co-presenter
| 3 episodes
| Annually; 3 episodes
|-
|-
| 2006
| 2006
| ''[[Morning Glory (TV programme)|Morning Glory]]
| ''[[Morning Glory (TV programme)|Morning Glory]]''
| rowspan="7" | Presenter
| [[Channel 4]]
| Presenter
|
|
|-
|-
| 2006–2007
| 2006–2007
| ''[[1 vs. 100 (UK game show)|1 vs. 100]]''
| ''[[1 vs. 100 (British game show)|1 vs. 100]]''
| 2 series
| [[BBC One]]
| Presenter
| 2 series (16 episodes)
|-
|-
| 2007–2014, 2016—present
| 2007–2014, 2016–2018
| ''[[The X Factor (UK TV series)|The X Factor]]''
| ''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]''
| 11 series
| [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]]
| Presenter
| 10 series (306+ episodes)
|-
|-
| 2008
| 2008
| ''[[Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack]]''
| ''[[Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack]]''
| [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]], Channel 4
| Presenter
|
|
|-
|-
| 2009
| 2009
| ''[[The Paul O'Grady Show]]''
| ''[[Rock Profile]]''
| Series 3
| [[Channel 4]]
| Stand-in presenter
| 1 episode
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" |2010
| 2010—
| ''[[Soccer Aid]]''
| [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]]
| Co-presenter
| 4 episodes
|-
| rowspan=2|2010
| ''Question Time: First Time Voters''
| ''Question Time: First Time Voters''
| rowspan=2|[[BBC One]]
| Presenter
| One-off episode
| One-off episode
|-
|-
| ''Dermot Meets...''
| ''Dermot Meets...''
| 1 series
| Presenter
|-
| 1 series (4 episodes)
|[[A League of Their Own (British game show)|''A League of Their Own'']]
|Guest Team Captain
|2 episodes
|-
|-
| 2010–present
| 2010—2019
| ''[[Soccer Aid]]''
| Co-presenter
| Annually; 7 episodes with [[Kirsty Gallacher]]
|-
| 2010–2019
| ''[[The National Television Awards]]''
| ''[[The National Television Awards]]''
| rowspan="3" |Presenter
| [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]]
| Presenter
| 10 ceremonies
| 10 ceremonies
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|2011
| rowspan="2" |2011
| ''[[Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton|Live from the Royal Wedding]]''
| ''[[Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton|Live from the Royal Wedding]]''
| One–off episode
| [[BBC One]]
|-
| Presenter
| ''[[The Marriage Ref (British TV series)|The Marriage Ref]]''
| One-off episode
|-
| 1 series
| ''[[The Marriage Ref (UK TV series)|The Marriage Ref]]''
| [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]]
| Presenter
| 1 series (7 episodes)
|-
|-
| 2012
| 2012
| ''[[Sport Relief]]''
| ''[[Sport Relief]]''
| Co–presenter
| [[BBC One]]
| 1 episode, with [[Davina McCall]]
| Co-presenter
| 1 episode
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|2013
| rowspan=2|2013
| ''[[From the Heart (TV campaign)|From the Heart]]''
| ''[[From the Heart (TV campaign)|From the Heart]]''
| rowspan=3|[[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]
| rowspan="2" | Presenter
| rowspan="2" | One–off episode
| Presenter
| One-off episode
|-
|-
| ''[[ITV Music Specials|BRITs Icon: Elton John]]''
| ''BRITs Icon: Elton John''
| Presenter
| One-off episode
|-
| rowspan=2|2014
| ''[[This Morning (TV programme)|This Morning]]''
| Stand-in Co-presenter
| 4 episodes
|-
|-
| 2014
| ''Live From Space''
| ''Live From Space''
| [[Channel 4]]
| Presenter
| Presenter
| 3 episodes
| 3 episodes
|-
| 2014, 2020
| ''[[This Morning (TV programme)|This Morning]]''
| Stand–in Co–presenter
| 9 episodes
|-
|-
| 2015
| 2015
| ''[[Children in Need]]''
| ''[[Children in Need]]''
| Co-presenter
| rowspan=3|[[BBC One]]
| Main role, with [[Tess Daly]] and [[Fearne Cotton]]
| Co-presenter
| Stand-in for [[Terry Wogan|Sir Terry Wogan]]
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|2016
| rowspan=2|2016
| ''[[The Getaway Car]]''
| ''[[The Getaway Car]]''
| Presenter
| Presenter
| 1 series (12 episodes)
| 1 series
|-
|-
| ''[[The One Show]]''
| ''[[The One Show]]''
| Guest presenter
| Guest Presenter
| 2 episodes
| 2 episodes
|-
|-
| rowspan=2|2017
| rowspan=2|2017
| ''[[Brit Awards|BRIT Awards]]''
| [[BRIT Awards]]
| rowspan=2|[[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]]
| Co-presenter
| Co-presenter
| [[2017 Brit Awards|37th event]]
| [[2017 Brit Awards|37th event]] with [[Emma Willis]]
|-
|-
| ''[[The Nightly Show (UK TV series)|The Nightly Show]]''
| ''[[The Nightly Show (British TV series)|The Nightly Show]]''
| Guest presenter
| Guest Presenter
| 9 episodes
| 9 episodes
|-
|-
| 2018
| rowspan="2" | 2018
| ''The Royal Wedding of [[Prince Harry]] and [[Meghan Markle]]''
| ''The Royal Wedding of [[Prince Harry]] and [[Meghan Markle]]''
| [[BBC One]]
| Commentator
| Commentator
| 2 episodes
| 2 episodes
|-
|-
|Reel Stories: Kylie Minogue
| 2019
|Host
|BBC Two programme
|-
| rowspan=4| 2019
| ''[[Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century]]''
| ''[[Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century]]''
| Category Presenter ("Advocate")
| [[BBC Two]]
| 2 episodes
| Category presenter ("Advocate")
| 2 episodes, explorers category and live final
|-
|-
| ''Small Fortune''
| 2019-present
| rowspan="3" | Presenter
| Small Fortune
| rowspan="3" | 1 series
| [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]]
|-
| ''[[The X Factor: Celebrity]]''
|-
| ''[[The X Factor: The Band]]''
|-
| rowspan=2| 2020
| ''[[Together at Home|One World: Together at Home]]''
| Co–presenter
| One–off special
|-
| ''[[Goodwood Festival of Speed|Goodwood SpeedWeek]]''
| Presenter
| Presenter
|
| 1 series
|-
| rowspan="5" | 2021
| ''[[British Academy Film Awards]]''
| rowspan="2" |Co–presenter
| With [[Edith Bowman]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-56711344|title=Bafta Film Awards 2021: Nomadland and Promising Young Woman win big|work=BBC News|date=11 April 2021|access-date=11 April 2021|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411182232/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-56711344|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''The Pet Show''
| With [[Joanna Page]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1week44/pet-show|title=The Pet Show|website=itv.com/presscentre|access-date=4 November 2021|archive-date=4 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104112731/https://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1week44/pet-show|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''An Audience with Arsène Wenger and David Dein''
| Presenter
| One–off special<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.live-now.com/en-int/page/sign-up?origin=playerpage&id=1028700|title=An audience with Arsène Wenger OBE and David Dein MBE|website=live-now.com|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=9 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109081034/https://www.live-now.com/en-int/page/sign-up?origin=playerpage&id=1028700|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''48 Hours to Victory''
| Co-presenter
| Three-part [[Channel 4]] series<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.channel4.com/press/news/dermot-oleary-presents-48-hours-victory|title=48 Hours to Victory|website=channel4.com/press|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=18 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118193556/https://www.channel4.com/press/news/dermot-oleary-presents-48-hours-victory|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| ''Reel Stories: Sting''
| Presenter
| BBC Two programme<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2021/bbc-two-presents-sting-reel-stories|title=Sting: Reel Stories|website=bbc.co.uk/mediacentre|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=18 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118053024/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2021/bbc-two-presents-sting-reel-stories|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2021–present
| ''[[This Morning (TV programme)|This Morning]]''
|Co-presenter
|Fridays; with [[Alison Hammond]]
|-
| 2022
| ''Reel Stories: Robbie Williams''
|Presenter
| BBC Two programme<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001ct6s|title=Reel Stories|website=bbc.co.uk|access-date=1 October 2022}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=4|2023
|''[[Inside No. 9]]''
|Himself
|1 episode; “Paraskevidekatriaphobia”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inside No. 9 episode 3 ending explained: Creators on Paraskevidekatriaphobia |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/comedy/inside-no-9-episode-3-ending-explained/ |access-date=5 May 2023 |website=Radio Times |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[The Chase (British game show)|The Chase]] for [[Soccer Aid]]''
| Contestant
| Soccer Aid celebrity special<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/watch/the-chase/1a7842/1a7842a2130|title=The Chase|website=itv.com|access-date=6 July 2023}}</ref>
|-
| ''Reel Stories: [[Noel Gallagher]]''
| Host
| BBC Two programme<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00068s0|title=Reel Stories|website=bbc.co.uk|access-date=2 July 2023}}</ref>
|-
| ''Remarkable Places to Eat''
| Himself
| Guest; one episode<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-39hvgx/remarkable-places-to-eat-season-4/?episode=b-72i7ly|title=Remarkable Places to Eat|website=radiotimes.com|access-date=3 August 2023}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="5" |2024
| ''Saving Lives at Sea in World War II''
| Presenter
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001x949|title=Saving Lives at Sea in World War II|website=bbc.co.uk|access-date=5 March 2024}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer]]''
| Contestant
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.channel4.com/press/news/great-celebrity-bake-2024|title=The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2024|website=channel4.com/press|access-date=9 March 2024}}</ref>
|-
| ''Reel Stories: [[Jon Bon Jovi]]''
| Host
| BBC Two programme<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/proginfo/2024/23/reel-stories-jon-bon-jovi|title=Reel Stories: Jon Bon Jovi|website=bbc.com/mediacentre|access-date=30 May 2024}}</ref>
|-
| ''Reel Stories: [[Shania Twain]]''
| Host
| BBC Two programme<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2024/jon-bon-jovi-shania-twain-reel-stories|title=Jon Bon Jovi and Shania Twain to talk in depth with Dermot O'Leary in two new episodes of Reel Stories for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer|website=bbc.com/mediacentre|access-date=21 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|''Dermot O'Leary's Taste of Ireland''
|Presenter
|ITV programme<ref>{{cite web |title=ITV announces brand new food and travel series with Dermot O'Leary |url=https://www.itv.com/presscentre/media-releases/itv-announces-brand-new-food-and-travel-series-dermot-oleary |access-date=19 May 2024 |website=itv.com/presscentre}}</ref>
|-
| 2025
| ''Silence is Golden''
| Host
| Upcoming series<ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.uktv.co.uk/news/article/fronted-by-dermot-oleary-and-featuring-katherine-ryan-udave-orders-silence-is-golden-yes-yes-medias-brand-new-comedy-competition/|title=Fronted by Dermot O'Leary and featuring Katherine Ryan, U&Dave orders Silence is Golden, Yes Yes Media's brand-new comedy competition|website=corporate.uktv.co.uk/news|access-date=7 July 2024}}</ref>
|-
|}
|}


===Radio===
==Radio==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
|- style="background:#b0c4de; text-align:center;"
! Year
! Year
! Network
! Network
Line 332: Line 383:
| 2006{{ndash}}2007
| 2006{{ndash}}2007
| Saturdays 4:30{{snd}}6:30{{nbsp}}pm
| Saturdays 4:30{{snd}}6:30{{nbsp}}pm
| 2{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}4{{nbsp}}pm (during ''[[The X Factor (UK TV series)|The X Factor]]'' months)
| 2{{nbsp}}pm{{snd}}4{{nbsp}}pm (during ''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]'' months)
|-
|-
| 2008{{ndash}}2009
| 2008{{ndash}}2009
Line 352: Line 403:
==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
*{{IMDb name|id=0641581|name=Dermot O'Leary}}
* {{IMDb name|0641581}}
*[https://twitter.com/radioleary Dermot's Official Twitter]
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08h8xsc ''Dermot O'Leary''] (BBC Radio 2)
* [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001622l ''Alternative Sounds of the 90s with Dermot O'Leary''] (BBC Radio 2)
*{{bbc programme|b08h8xsc|Dermot O’Leary}}
*[http://www.malefirst.co.uk/52572004-ent.html Profile/interview in MaleFirst.co.uk]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}


{{The X Factor (UK)}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Oleary, Dermot}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Oleary, Dermot}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Alumni of Middlesex University]]
[[Category:BBC Radio 2 presenters]]
[[Category:English people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:English people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:English radio DJs]]
[[Category:English Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:English Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:British radio DJs]]
[[Category:English socialists]]
[[Category:British socialists]]
[[Category:BBC Radio 2 presenters]]
[[Category:Alumni of Middlesex University]]
[[Category:People from Colchester]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:English television presenters]]
[[Category:English television presenters]]
[[Category:People from Colchester]]
[[Category:Television personalities from Essex]]

Latest revision as of 15:12, 15 December 2024

Dermot O'Leary
O'Leary at Waterstones, London in 2024
Born
Seán Dermot Fintan O'Leary

(1973-05-24) 24 May 1973 (age 51)
Colchester, Essex, England
CitizenshipIreland
OccupationBroadcaster
Years active1998–present
Employers
Spouse
Dee Koppang
​
(m. 2012)​
Children1

Seán Dermot Fintan O'Leary (born 24 May 1973)[1] is a British-Irish broadcaster. He presented the television talent show The X Factor on ITV from 2007 until its final series in 2018, with the exception of 2015. Since 2021, O'Leary has presented ITV's This Morning on Fridays, school holidays and bank holidays alongside Alison Hammond, a role expanded to the remainder of the week on a rotation with the departures of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby in the summer and autumn of 2023.

O'Leary began his radio career working as a disc jockey at Essex Radio. From 2001 to 2003, he was a presenter for London's indie rock station XFM. O'Leary joined BBC Radio 2 in 2004 and currently presents the Saturday morning breakfast show.[2]

Early life

[edit]

Dermot O'Leary was born on 24 May 1973 in Colchester, Essex, the son of Irish parents Maria and Seán both from Co. Wexford.[3] He attended primary school in nearby Marks Tey and later joined St Benedict's Catholic College in Colchester. His complacent attitude at school caused him to fail all but two of his GCSEs.[4] Following that, O'Leary re-took his school-leaving qualifications. This allowed him to later start his A-Level courses at Colchester Sixth Form College. He eventually studied for a degree in Media Studies with Politics at Middlesex University.[5]

Growing up, he was a member of The Boys' Brigade Christian youth organisation.[6] When he was in his late teens, he played American football for the Colchester Gladiators and the Ipswich Cardinals, where he wore the number 32.

Career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

O'Leary started as a disc jockey at BBC Essex,[7] based in Southend-on-Sea, before becoming a runner on the TV show Light Lunch with Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins and then a presenter at Channel 4 as part of the original presenting line-up of the channel's T4 strand, before moving on to present Big Brother's Little Brother (the companion show to Big Brother) on E4 from 2001 onwards. Also in 2001, O'Leary appeared on Lily Savage's Blankety Blank.[8] In 2004, O'Leary hosted the TV show Shattered.

ITV

[edit]

On 29 March 2007, it was announced that O'Leary would replace Kate Thornton as the new host of ITV's The X Factor for at least two series. On 27 March 2015, O'Leary confirmed that he had quit The X Factor after eight years to pursue other projects. Via his Twitter account, he said:

Good afternoon. After eight wonderful years on The X Factor it's time for me to move on. I'd like to thank ITV, Simon, The X Factor family and particularly the viewers, all of whom have been a big part of my life for so long. I'd like to wish the team all the best for the future, especially whoever takes over from me.

O'Leary was replaced by Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, who previously co-hosted The Xtra Factor, the behind-the-scenes companion programme, together in 2011 and 2012.[9]

On 29 March 2016, O'Leary returned to The X Factor as a presenter, replacing Murs and Flack, for the show's 13th series. In a statement, he said:

"I'm very flattered to be asked back to The X Factor, and am currently dusting off my dancing shoes. There is nothing more exciting than hosting live TV on a Saturday night. The show is naturally very close to my heart, after having hosted it for 8 years. I’m really looking forward to it, and excited to be back."[10]

From 2010 to 2019, O'Leary presented the National Television Awards for ITV. Since 2010, O'Leary has hosted Soccer Aid on ITV, a celebrity football match in aid of the charity Unicef. In 2011, O'Leary hosted the Saturday night entertainment show The Marriage Ref on ITV. In September 2013, O'Leary hosted BRITs Icon: Elton John, a one-off music celebration for ITV.

In 2013, O'Leary presented the ITV campaign From the Heart, which encouraged viewers to consider organ donation. In January 2014, O'Leary filled in for Phillip Schofield for a week when he guest presented This Morning opposite Holly Willoughby.[11]

In 2017, O'Leary co-presented the 37th BRIT Awards with Emma Willis. In March 2017, O'Leary guest-presented nine episodes of The Nightly Show on ITV.

In November 2020, it was announced that Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford had been dropped from their Friday slot on This Morning after 14 years. Alison Hammond and O'Leary were announced to takeover the slot later that month.[12] They presented their first show in January 2021.

Channel 4

[edit]

On 27 November 2007, it was announced that Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack was to be O'Leary's last series of Big Brother. After seven years, he made his final Big Brother appearance on 28 January 2008.

In March 2007, O'Leary signed a year-long contract with Channel 4 to appear on Hollyoaks.[citation needed] However, this was shortened after a series of disputes on set. Jim Rowe, a series writer at the time, said, "He couldn't follow even the simplest commands. It goes to show how vastly different presenting is to acting". O'Leary hasn't acted since.[citation needed] In 2009, O'Leary presented an episode of The Paul O'Grady Show, standing in for Paul O'Grady.

In March 2014, O'Leary made a return to Channel 4, where he presented the Live From Space season for three consecutive nights.[13]

BBC

[edit]

O'Leary was a presenter for Comic Relief in 2005, 2011 and 2013. He also presented Sport Relief in 2012. In August 2006, O'Leary signed a deal to present the game show 1 vs. 100, which aired on Saturday nights on BBC One in combination with The National Lottery Draws.

In May 2009, O'Leary became the presenter of Matt Lucas and David Walliams's show Rock Profile on BBC.[14]

In March 2010, O'Leary hosted a spin-off edition of the BBC One show Question Time aimed at first time voters, which aired on BBC Three.[15] He also presented Dermot Meets..., a series which saw him interview the likes of David Cameron, Gordon Brown, and Nick Clegg.

In November 2015, O'Leary replaced Terry Wogan on Children in Need due to Wogan's cancer-related ill health, from which he died a couple of months later.[16]

In 2016, O'Leary presented the BBC One Saturday night game show The Getaway Car. The series was filmed in November 2015 and began airing in January 2016.[17] He has also guest-presented two episodes of The One Show with Alex Jones.

Radio

[edit]

O'Leary joined London's indie rock station XFM in 2001, firstly presenting weekday mid-mornings from 10 am to 1 pm, before moving to a Saturday evening show in mid-2002, where he remained until late 2003.

O'Leary joined BBC Radio 2 in September 2004, presenting a Saturday afternoon show titled Dermot's Saturday Club, which ran from 2 pm to 4 pm. Following a number of changes to the length and timing of O'Leary's programme, due in part to the arrival of Chris Evans to Radio 2 and his role as presenter of The X Factor, his show was broadcast between 3 pm and 6 pm from April 2009[citation needed] until its end on 21 January 2017. It focused on new music and had featured live sessions. O'Leary also hosted Radio 2's coverage of the BRIT Awards and South by Southwest. He won Sony Gold Awards for Music Programme of the Year in 2008, 2010, and 2013.[18]

Since March 2017, O'Leary has presented the Saturday morning breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 between 8 am and 10 am, taking over the slot from Brian Matthew and Sounds of the 60s, which moved to an earlier time of 6am with Tony Blackburn as presenter.[2]

O'Leary sits in for Zoe Ball's Radio 2 breakfast show when she's off for a holiday or on a break.

Other work

[edit]

In March 2009, O'Leary introduced Michael Jackson to an audience of fans at The O2 in what turned out to be Jackson's final public appearance before his death.[19][20]

In 2015, he was named one of GQ's 50 Best Dressed Men in Britain.[21]

He has voiced television advertisements for Amazon Prime. In 2017, he released a children's book called Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape.[22] In 2024, he released another children's book called Wings of Glory.[23]

Charity work

[edit]

O'Leary opened The Rodillian Academy in 2001. He is one of nine presidents of Better Planet Education[24] and is a patron of the international children's film festival CineMagic, a registered charity for young people based in Belfast.[25] He has campaigned on behalf of Make Poverty History, and visited Sierra Leone with CAFOD accompanied by his father. He is also a patron of the male cancer awareness campaign Everyman. In 2003, he played in a charity match for the Colchester Gladiators as a punt returner, helping to raise £2,500 for the Barnardo's children's fund.[26][27]

In 2005, O'Leary ran the London Marathon for the third time, completing it for his first time under four hours.

In March 2014, along with Jeremy Kyle, Bill Bailey, John Prescott, Richard Osman, Rizzle Kicks, Louis Smith, Levi Roots, and Ricky Wilson, O'Leary went commando for charity to raise awareness of testicular cancer. The promo was released on 24 February 2014.[28]

For Red Nose Day 2015, O'Leary participated in a 24-hour dance to raise money for Comic Relief.[29]

Personal life

[edit]

O'Leary married his long-term girlfriend, Dee Koppang, in Chiddingstone in September 2012.[30][31] Koppang is of Norwegian descent.[32] They have one son, Kasper, who was born in June 2020.[33]

In a 2003 interview, O'Leary praised the Socialist Workers Party but quipped that they would "take all of [his] money", so he instead supported the Labour Party.[34] He supports Arsenal F.C., Celtic F.C. and London Irish RFC.[35] He can be heard on the Footballistically Arsenal podcast with his friends and fellow Arsenal fans Dan Baldwin and Boyd Hilton; on the show, it was mentioned that he owns shares in the club. He supports Wexford GAA in Gaelic games. During a studio guest appearance on Fantasy Football Euro 2004, he spoke of his support for the Republic of Ireland national football team and the national rugby union team.

In 2007, O'Leary was an usher at the wedding of Holly Willoughby.[36] He is a practising Roman Catholic.[37] In an interview with Peter Stanford of the Daily Telegraph in February 2008, he "cheerfully" admitted using contraception while living with his future wife: "I do get it in the neck from some Catholics who say I am a buffet Catholic, picking and choosing the bits I like or don't like."[38]

O'Leary co-owned the Fishy Fishy restaurants in Brighton and Poole.[39] The Poole restaurant closed in 2013,[40] and the Brighton restaurant closed in 2016.[41]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1998–2001 T4 Presenter
1999 The Dog's Balearics
2000 The Barfly Sessions
2000, 2008, 2009 Never Mind the Buzzcocks Guest Team Captain / Guest Presenter 3 episodes
2001–2008 Big Brother's Little Brother Presenter
2002 Top of the Pops 2 episodes
2002–2003 Re:covered
2002–2004 SAS: Are You Tough Enough? 3 series
2003 Teen Big Brother: The Experiment
2004 Shattered 7 episodes
2005, 2011–2013 Comic Relief Co-presenter Annually; 3 episodes
2006 Morning Glory Presenter
2006–2007 1 vs. 100 2 series
2007–2014, 2016–2018 The X Factor 11 series
2008 Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack
2009 Rock Profile Series 3
2010 Question Time: First Time Voters One-off episode
Dermot Meets... 1 series
A League of Their Own Guest Team Captain 2 episodes
2010–present Soccer Aid Co-presenter Annually; 7 episodes with Kirsty Gallacher
2010–2019 The National Television Awards Presenter 10 ceremonies
2011 Live from the Royal Wedding One–off episode
The Marriage Ref 1 series
2012 Sport Relief Co–presenter 1 episode, with Davina McCall
2013 From the Heart Presenter One–off episode
BRITs Icon: Elton John
2014 Live From Space Presenter 3 episodes
2014, 2020 This Morning Stand–in Co–presenter 9 episodes
2015 Children in Need Co-presenter Main role, with Tess Daly and Fearne Cotton
2016 The Getaway Car Presenter 1 series
The One Show Guest Presenter 2 episodes
2017 BRIT Awards Co-presenter 37th event with Emma Willis
The Nightly Show Guest Presenter 9 episodes
2018 The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Commentator 2 episodes
Reel Stories: Kylie Minogue Host BBC Two programme
2019 Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century Category Presenter ("Advocate") 2 episodes
Small Fortune Presenter 1 series
The X Factor: Celebrity
The X Factor: The Band
2020 One World: Together at Home Co–presenter One–off special
Goodwood SpeedWeek Presenter
2021 British Academy Film Awards Co–presenter With Edith Bowman[42]
The Pet Show With Joanna Page[43]
An Audience with Arsène Wenger and David Dein Presenter One–off special[44]
48 Hours to Victory Co-presenter Three-part Channel 4 series[45]
Reel Stories: Sting Presenter BBC Two programme[46]
2021–present This Morning Co-presenter Fridays; with Alison Hammond
2022 Reel Stories: Robbie Williams Presenter BBC Two programme[47]
2023 Inside No. 9 Himself 1 episode; “Paraskevidekatriaphobia”[48]
The Chase for Soccer Aid Contestant Soccer Aid celebrity special[49]
Reel Stories: Noel Gallagher Host BBC Two programme[50]
Remarkable Places to Eat Himself Guest; one episode[51]
2024 Saving Lives at Sea in World War II Presenter [52]
The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer Contestant [53]
Reel Stories: Jon Bon Jovi Host BBC Two programme[54]
Reel Stories: Shania Twain Host BBC Two programme[55]
Dermot O'Leary's Taste of Ireland Presenter ITV programme[56]
2025 Silence is Golden Host Upcoming series[57]

Radio

[edit]
Year Network Slot Notes
2001–2002 XFM Weekday mornings
2002–2003 Saturday evenings Show called The Weekender
2004–2005 BBC Radio 2 Saturdays 2 – 4 pm Show called Dermot's Saturday Club
2005–2006 Saturdays 5 – 7 pm
2006–2007 Saturdays 4:30 – 6:30 pm 2 pm – 4 pm (during The X Factor months)
2008–2009 Saturdays 2 – 5 pm
2009–2017 Saturdays 3 – 6 pm
2017– Saturdays 8 – 10 am Show called Saturday Breakfast with Dermot

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Simpson, Neil (14 October 2010). Presenting Dermot O'Leary - the Biography. Kings Road. ISBN 978-1-78418-466-7.
  2. ^ a b Lewis Carnie, Head of Radio 2 (10 February 2017). "Radio 2 announces schedule changes - Media Centre". BBC. Archived from the original on 27 October 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ "Dermot O'Leary's Taste of Ireland". ITV. 23 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  4. ^ Sims, Fiona (12 June 2009). "Fishy Fishy: Dermot O'Leary's restaurant is the reel deal". The Times. London. Archived from the original on 3 April 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2009.
  5. ^ "Colchester's Dermot O'Leary marries on Friday". Essex County Standard. 13 September 2012. Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 18 March 2013.
  6. ^ "Dermot discusses his dancing - Live Week 5 - The Xtra Factor 2013". YouTube. 11 November 2013. Archived from the original on 2 May 2016. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  7. ^ [1] Archived 26 March 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ Lily Savage's Blankety Blank. 25 February 2001. ITV.
  9. ^ "Dermot makes dramatic return to host X Factor". Digital Spy. 28 March 2016. Archived from the original on 10 January 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  10. ^ "Dermot O'Leary returns 'home' to The X Factor". BBC News. United Kingdom: BBC. 29 March 2016. Archived from the original on 29 March 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  11. ^ "Dermot O'Leary to guest present This Morning in January - TV News". Digital Spy. 5 December 2013. Archived from the original on 10 October 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  12. ^ "Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford dropped from This Morning slot and replaced by Alison and Dermot". Daily Mirror. 14 November 2020. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  13. ^ "Dermot O'Leary fronts Live from Space Season for Channel 4 - TV News". Digital Spy. 9 January 2014. Archived from the original on 2 September 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  14. ^ Rock Profile:Peter Andre & Jordan Pt.1 Archived 29 July 2010 at the Wayback Machine Funny or Die
  15. ^ O'Leary to host episode of Question Time Archived 27 March 2010 at the Wayback Machine. RTÉ Intertainment. 12 February 2010.
  16. ^ "Dermot O'Leary replaces Sir Terry Wogan on Children in Need". BBC News. 13 November 2015. Archived from the original on 15 November 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  17. ^ "Lost in TV - free tickets to your FAVOURITE television shows". lostintv.com. Archived from the original on 7 September 2015.
  18. ^ "BBC Radio 2 - Dermot O'Leary". Bbc.co.uk. 1 January 1970. Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  19. ^ Youngs, Ian (5 March 2009) 'Final curtain call' for Jackson Archived 30 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine BBC News Online
  20. ^ "Michael Jackson announces O2 Arena London gigs - and retirement?" Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine NME 5 March 2009
  21. ^ "50 Best Dressed Men in Britain 2015". GQ. 5 January 2015. Archived from the original on 7 January 2015.
  22. ^ Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape: Book 1 eBook: Dermot O'Leary, Nick East: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store. Amazon.co.uk. 21 September 2017. Archived from the original on 4 September 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  23. ^ Wings of Glory. ASIN 1444961632.
  24. ^ "Our Team - Presidents, Trustees and Staff - Better Planet Education". Better Planet Education. Archived from the original on 4 July 2017. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  25. ^ "Dermot O'Leary - Cinemagic". cinemagic.org.uk. Archived from the original on 4 April 2015. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
  26. ^ "Team History". Colchester Gladiators American Football Club. Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 21 May 2008.
  27. ^ "Colchester Gladiators - 20th Anniversary Reunion Game". Britball Now. 19 October 2003. Archived from the original on 18 December 2007. Retrieved 13 May 2008.
  28. ^ "John Prescott, Dermot O'Leary, Bill Bailey and Keith Lemon go commando for Male Cancer Awareness Campaign | The Drum". M.thedrum.com. 24 February 2014. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  29. ^ Austin, Ellie. "Disco Dermot: Why I chose to dance for Comic Relief". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 15 March 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  30. ^ "My Secret Life: Dermot O'Leary, broadcaster" Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine, The Independent 28 July 2007
  31. ^ Gordon, Naomi (14 September 2012). "Dermot O'Leary marries long-term girlfriend Dee Koppang – picture". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  32. ^ LU7 Television Clips Xtra (21 July 2023). Britain's Got Talent Winner Viggo Venn - 21/07/2023. Retrieved 15 December 2024 – via YouTube.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  33. ^ Hegarty, Tasha (4 July 2020). "Dermot O'Leary confirms baby son's name in adorable radio show link". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  34. ^ Rookwood, Dan (7 February 2003) Small Talk: Dermot O'Leary Archived 19 June 2007 at the Wayback Machine, The Guardian
  35. ^ "Meet Dermot O'Leary". BBC. 2 September 2003. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
  36. ^ "Holly Willoughby exclusive: Why she loves wearing those revealing dresses". Daily Mirror. 26 February 2008. Archived from the original on 14 February 2012. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  37. ^ "Cheerful soundtrack to Dermot O'Leary's happy life". Independent.ie. 17 November 2014. Archived from the original on 23 December 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  38. ^ Stanford, Peter (11 February 2008). "Dermot O'Leary: The real Dermot stands up". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  39. ^ "Dermot O'Leary pledges future to Brighton". The Argus (Brighton). 24 June 2010. Archived from the original on 10 January 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2010.
  40. ^ "Dermot O'Leary 'forced to close' fish restaurant - ITV News". Itv.com. 10 March 2013. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  41. ^ "Dermot O'Leary's Brighton restaurant Fishy Fishy hits the rocks". 7 January 2016. Archived from the original on 26 January 2016. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  42. ^ "Bafta Film Awards 2021: Nomadland and Promising Young Woman win big". BBC News. 11 April 2021. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  43. ^ "The Pet Show". itv.com/presscentre. Archived from the original on 4 November 2021. Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  44. ^ "An audience with Arsène Wenger OBE and David Dein MBE". live-now.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  45. ^ "48 Hours to Victory". channel4.com/press. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  46. ^ "Sting: Reel Stories". bbc.co.uk/mediacentre. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  47. ^ "Reel Stories". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  48. ^ "Inside No. 9 episode 3 ending explained: Creators on Paraskevidekatriaphobia". Radio Times. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  49. ^ "The Chase". itv.com. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
  50. ^ "Reel Stories". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  51. ^ "Remarkable Places to Eat". radiotimes.com. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  52. ^ "Saving Lives at Sea in World War II". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
  53. ^ "The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2024". channel4.com/press. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  54. ^ "Reel Stories: Jon Bon Jovi". bbc.com/mediacentre. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  55. ^ "Jon Bon Jovi and Shania Twain to talk in depth with Dermot O'Leary in two new episodes of Reel Stories for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer". bbc.com/mediacentre. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  56. ^ "ITV announces brand new food and travel series with Dermot O'Leary". itv.com/presscentre. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  57. ^ "Fronted by Dermot O'Leary and featuring Katherine Ryan, U&Dave orders Silence is Golden, Yes Yes Media's brand-new comedy competition". corporate.uktv.co.uk/news. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
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