Live Life Team
Presenter
Dermot was born on 24th May 1973 in Ireland but was raised in Colchester, Essex. He studied for a BA in Media and Television with Politics at Middlesex University and left with a 2:2.
His first media work after his graduation was as a DJ at BBC Radio Essex though his career in television began as a runner on ‘Late Lunch’, reportedly after sending over 200 letters to production companies. He first came to public attention when he joined Channel Four as one of the first presenters on ‘T4’ and followed it with the hugely successful ‘Big Brother’s Little Brother’. He presented ‘Dermot’s Sporting Buddies’ for BBC3 which was produced by his own company, Murfia.
In 2007 he replaced Kate Thornton as the main presenter on ITV’s ‘X Factor’ and is a popular choice as host, though it meant he had to give up his work on ‘BBLB’. In March 2009 it was Dermot who was chosen to introduce Michael Jackson to the crowds on what became his final public appearance before his death.
With a number of radio shows under his belt he began work at Radio 2 on a Saturday afternoon show, and then in 2005 he took over the Saturday evening slot with a show which focuses on new music, showcasing new artists and featuring live music sessions. The show has earned him a Sony Radio Award.
Dermot supports a number of charities, including ‘Make Poverty History’ and ‘CAFOD’ and has run the London Marathon several times. He enjoys surfing and fishing and has been in a relationship for several years with girlfriend Dee. The couple live in London.
