Who is Dermot O’Leary’s wife and what is his net worth?
Plus everything on his latest project with the BBC
DERMOT O'Leary is best known for hosting This Morning or The X Factor and the woman on his side throughout most of his career is his wife Dee Koppang.
But who is she, what is his net worth, and what are his latest projects?
Who is Dermot O’Leary?
Dermot O'Leary was born on May 24, 1973 in Colchester, Essex, where he was also raised, but now lives in Primrose Hill, London.
He has dual British and Irish citizenship thanks to his parents, who moved over to England from the Emerald Isle before he was born.
Dermot is a practicing Roman Catholic.
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."
How did Dermot O'Leary become famous?
Dermot began his career as a radio DJ on BBC Essex, before moving into TV to become one of the original presenters of Channel 4's T4 shows.
He hosted the original Big Brother spin-off show, Big Brother's Little Brother, from 2001 until 2008, and also presented Teen Big Brother: The Experiment and Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack.
Dermot took over from Kate Thornton as The X Factor host in 2007 and presented the popular talent show until its final series in 2018.
He was controversially temporarily axed from the talent competition in 2015, only to return the following year (2016).
Since 2010 he has been a regular fixture on ITV's long-running daytime programme This Morning — he started out presenting the show on Fridays, bank holidays and school holidays until the departures of Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby in 2023, when his role expanded to the remainder of the week on rotation.
He hosted the National Television Awards from 2010, but in 2019 Dermot announced he was stepping down after 10 years in the role, passing the baton to Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams.
Dermot also has a keen interest in birds and has contributed to BBC Radio 4's Tweet of the Week, discussing birds he spotted that day.
In May 2018 he co-presented the BBC's coverage of the Royal Wedding with Kirsty Young.
The 50-year-old joined forces with Edith Bowman to present the red carpet coverage of the Baftas in 2018 and 2021.
He also has his hugely successful BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, which Dermot has presented on Saturday mornings since 2004.
Who is Dermot O'Leary's wife Dee Koppang?
Dermot has been with wife Dee Koppang since 2002, when the two met at a TV production company.
Dee, 45, is a producer and a director, best known for her directorial work on The Crown and Justin Bieber: All Around the World.
The couple got engaged in New York in November 2011, and then married in Kent in September 2012.
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How many children do Dermot O’Leary and Dee Koppang have?
On February 1, 2020 Dermot revealed the pair were expecting their first child together — 18 years after they met.
On June 27, the couple announced the birth of a son.
Taking to Instagram, Dermot wrote: "Welcome to the world baby Koppang O’Leary.
"We’re delighted to announce that we’ve had a baby!
"Enjoying the cuddles in the newborn bubble... cats yet to be 100% convinced. Lots of love, Dermot & Dee x"
The post was accompanied by a photo of a babygrow with the words, "Koppang O'Leary Productions Est. 2020", written across it.
What is Dermot O’Leary's net worth?
Reports of Dermot's net worth vary, but not dramatically.
At the lower end, Celebrity Net Worth estimates his fortune to be around £8.6million.
Whereas multiple other outlets put it at £12million.
In 2017 he reportedly signed an £8million, four-year contract to return to The X Factor, making him the best-paid solo presenter on British telly at the time.
Dermot O'Leary's career highlights
Early career: Radio DJ on BBC Essex and presenter for Channel 4's T4 shows
2001-2008: presenter for Big Brother's Little Brother, Teen Big Brother: The Experiment and Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack.
since 2004: presenter on BBC Radio 2 Saturday breakfast show
2007-2018: presenter for The X Factor
2010-2023: part time presenter on This Morning
2010-2019: presenter for National Television Awards
May 2018: co presenter for BBC's coverage of Royal Wedding
since 2023: full time presenter on This Morning
March - April 2024: contestant on The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2024
What happened in Dermot O'Leary's interview with Barry Humphries?
In November 2021 Alison Hammond and This Morning viewers were left in stitches when comedian Barry Humphries appeared to mistake Dermot for Phillip Schofield and applaud him for his "bravery" for coming out.
Barry, famed for his drag character Dame Edna Everage, didn't seem to understand, and once again called Dermot "brave" for being so open, while Alison Hammond giggled uncontrollably between them.
Ironically beginning the compliment by boasting about what a "good memory" he has, Barry said: "Incidentally, Dermot, I want to congratulate you by the way — seriously, on your courage."
Giving Alison a look as she laughed loudly having already clocked where this was going, Barry went on: "Last year, no no, when he came out and told us about his sexuality…"
Alison's laughter interrupted him again, with Dermot chuckling himself as he desperately tried to regain enough composure to correct the guest.
He said: "Thank you, I will pass that on to the gentleman who is here from Monday to Thursday… Don't you worry!"
Barry looked genuinely confused, causing Alison to giggle even more, with the guest then adding: "No, your bravery was a marvel — and by the way, we're all in showbusiness."
Between howls of laughter, the pair attempted to get the interview back on track — but they were still visibly tickled by it for the remainder of the segment.
Following complications during hip surgery, Barry sadly passed away on April 22, 2023.
What is Dermot O'Leary's new job on BBC?
Dermot O'Leary announced in March 2024 that he will be joining the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for his new show, World War II Saving Lives at Sea.
It is a one special off episode and aired on March 12, 2024 at 8 pm on BBC Two.
He has been a supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution for quite a while and documented rescues before.
The special episode focussed on finding out on the services’ involvement during the Second World War.
Costal lifeboat stations in Aldeburgh, Margate, St Peter Port, Cromer and Penlee Stations were featured in the Saving Lives at Sea episode.
As well as former crews and their members, who shared their experience working for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Is Dermot O'Leary on The Great Celebrity Bake Off 2024?
Yes, Dermot is competing in the Great Celebrity Bake Off 2024.
The other contestants are Adam Hills, Danny Dyer, David O'Doherty, Fern Brady, Gabby Logan, Greg James, Jodie Whittaker, Joe Locke, Leigh Francis, Mel B, Munya Chawawa, Oti Mabuse, Paloma Faith, Richard Coles, Rhod Gilbert, Sarah Cox, Spencer Mathews, Suzi Ruffell and Yinka Bokinni.
Baking hunk Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will be back to judge their efforts and pick the overall winner, with Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding also returning.
Celebrity Bake Off started on Sunday, March 17, at 7.40pm on Channel 4.
Episode 5 is airing on Sunday, April 14, 2024.
Former episodes can be rewatched on .