Guardian interview (14th July 2001)

Q & A

Dermot O'Leary was born in 1973, and grew up in Colchester. After university, he did work experience at a local radio station. He then worked as a runner for a TV production company, and was a warm-up man before getting his big break as a reporter. He currently presents the Big Brother companion show, Big Brother's Little Brother, on E4.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A house by the sea.

What is your greatest fear?
Getting stuck down a cave.

With which historical figure do you most identify?
Ernest Shackleton.

Which living person do you most admire?
My father - he came to this country from Ireland with £30 in his pocket.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I get ratty when I'm too busy.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Intolerance of my rattiness.

What objects do you always carry with you?
Wallet, keys and Claddagh ring that my mother gave to me.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I'm quite happy, although I'm not perfect.

What is your favourite word?
Contentment.

What is your favourite journey?
The train journey from Wexford town to Dublin.

What is your favourite fantasy?
That I'm a boxer.

What is your most unappealing habit?
I talk over others.

Should the royal family be scrapped?
Yes, without delay.

Do you believe in monogamy?
Yes.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My mum and dad.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Patience.

When and where were you happiest?
I am always happiest when I'm by the sea.

How do you relax?
I try to spend as much time with my friends as possible.

How often do you have sex?
Not often enough.

What would your motto be?
Instinct is everything.

How would you like to die?
In a blaze of glory.

Do you believe in life after death?
Yes.

How would you like to be remembered?
As altruistic.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Never second-guess people.

Interview by Rosanna Greenstreet. Taken from the Guardian Unlimited (original article)