Dermot’s got the X Factor
Man of the moment Dermot O’Leary talks to RACHEL MAINWARING about presenting the X Factor...
HE can talk the hind leg off a donkey and chatty Dermot O’Leary reckons his new job is the closest he’s ever going to get to being a big-money signing footballer.
The Big brother veteran and new host of ITV1 X Factor, which started again last night, laughs: “It’s like going from a middleweight to a heavyweight!
“When Simon spoke to me and said, ‘we want you to do this job because you like people’, I’d never really thought of it like that, but the more I do the job the more I realise I can genuinely talk the hind legs off a donkey!”
The long-awaited BAFTA award-winning show returned for a fourth series last night, complete with a fresh new format and a veritable rollercoaster ride of twists and turns.
This year the show’s judges Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne will be joined by Kylie’s little sister Dannii Minogue, as well as Irish pop impresario Louis Walsh, who is back with a vengeance after his much publicised sacking and controversial reinstatement.
“Sharon you just want to cuddle from the minute you see her – I’d heard about the Osbourne effect but never experienced it and it is extraordinary.
“Simon is a very down to earth guy, Dannii is a far stronger woman than people give her credit for, and well, Louis is Louis!”
This year, The X Factor will also feature a brand new category that opens the competition up to performers aged 14 and over.
Contestants will be split into Boys (14 to 24’s), Girls (14 to 24’s), 25 and Overs and Groups – and all are desperate to bag that amazing £1m recording contract.
“The auditions are really interesting because some people turn up because they want to be on telly for five minutes, you’ve got your genuine punters, your self delusionals who can be quite difficult to be around, and some people turn up who’ll be over the moon to get three rejections if they get a yes out of Simon.
“It’s the Daddy syndrome! Everyone wants Daddy to love them!” he grins cheekily.
During the nail-biting audition phase of The X Factor, Dermot’s on hand to offer the contestants encouragement and a comforting shoulder to cry on as they endure their nerve-wracking performance in front of Simon and co, as well as presiding over the always opinionated judging panel once the show reaches the live stages.
“Some of the contestants’ real-life stories are so emotional. There’s a mother-of-two whose husband dropped dead last year – he was only in his twenties and she’d promised him she would give it a go, which is why she was there.
“I’d rather turn the camera off with those types of stories because I was welling up as she was telling me about it,” he admits.
But having watched hundreds upon hundreds of young wannabes put themselves through the now infamous audition process, Dermot says he has a few words of wisdom for any potential stars willing to face the wrath of Mr Cowell et al.
“From what I’ve seen so far – know your limits,” he laughs.
And if the judges themselves start to misbehave, Dermot believes he has the perfect remedy to keep them in check.
“With a big stick – I think corporal punishment is the only way to go!” he grins.
the judges view: Simon Cowell
“It’s great having Louis back and if I’m honest Sharon and I did miss not having him on the panel,” judge Simon Cowell admits.
“And Dannii is a great addition to the show – she’s been in the business since she was a child so has a lot of valuable experience, as well as bringing a new dynamic to the judging panel – plus she’s far better looking than Louis!” he grins, unable to resist a quick dig at his arch judging rival. “So far we have been working as a team at the auditions, but I am sure once we get to the live studio shows the competition between us will increase.”
the judges view: Dannii Minogue
“Simon would have to be the cheekiest, naughtiest boy I’ve ever met and is constantly making me laugh,” smiles new judge Dannii Minogue. “Louis giggles more than a girl so we have nicknamed him Louise, Sharon is always fabulous and the two of us are in constant competition to see who has the most bling on.
“And with Simon we all try to stay out of his way when he is slaying people with his honesty, but most of the time Simon and I agree on who the good and bad contestants are – if not, I tell him he’s wrong, it’s the funniest way to wind him up!
“The British public managed to wind him up enough about his high-waisted pants and he has stopped wearing those, so I think our next mission should be his hair-do.”
the judges view: Louis Walsh
“I’m hoping that I can wipe the smile off Simon’s smug face and win another series!” grins Westlife manager Louis Walsh.
“It’s fantastic to be back – being sacked was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever been through, but I’m delighted that I was rehired and back on the show.”
Louis believes that a large element behind The X Factor’s massive success in the UK is the constant banter between the judges – especially the invariably heated exchanges between himself and Simon.
“What makes the show is the fact that the three of us have a chemistry between us and we just seem to get on well – even though we all want to win!”
the judges view: Sharon Osbourne
Judge Sharon Osbourne, who has never actually won a series of The X Factor, reveals that she’s more determined than ever to get one over on her nemesis Simon Cowell this year.
“I know I am as competitive as hell because I want to win,” she grins.
But although she absolutely loves the audition days, Sharon admits there are some songs that she never, ever, wants to hear again.
“The list is Over The Rainbow, Smile, Hero and Mustang Sally,” she grimaces, adding that she has a few clever tricks up her sleeve to ensure that she emerges as the victorious judge this time around.
“Oh yes and let me tell you I have a very long sleeve!”
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