Guardian interview 26th September 2000)

Answer me - Getting personal with... Dermot O'Leary

Full Name:
Sean Dermot Fintan O'Leary

Have you ever adopted a pseudonym and, if so, why?
My mum used to call me Sean Dermot if I misbehaved.

Have you ever lied about your age and, if so, why?
Yes, to see Poltergeist III. It wasn't worth it.

How would you describe yourself in a lonely hearts?
Sad, sad, sad, and celibate. Need rescuing now.

What was the last illegal thing you did?
That's for me and my ex-girlfriend to know, you to find out.

What was the last kind-hearted thing you did?
I gave a Big Issue seller £5.

Who's the nicest person you've ever worked with?
Jamie Glazebrook, producer of Light Lunch. Committed, and pays well too.

What are the initials of the most unpleasant person you've ever worked with?
MH. Nasty, selfish, and self-obsessed.

Has a critic ever made you cry?
Jacques Peretti, reviewing Dog Belearic after the first episode. With his intelligence, he should know that a new series improves during its run.

What would you advertise without a fee?
Guinness - a social and moral element to everyone's lives, and good for pregnant women.

What would you never advertise?
Nescafe.

What wakes you up screaming at four in the morning?
My sister's cats and foxes at the end of the garden.

What takes you to a "happy place"?
Cars and trains.

Dermot O'Leary presents the Barfly Sessions, tomorrow night, 12.40am, Channel 4.

Interview by Samantha Gillings. Taken from the Guardian Unlimited (original article)