Heat Magazine - 20 Dec 2003

Year in Review - Stars of the Year - Dermot O'Leary

Big Brother was disappointing but Little Brother was just amazing TV. Here Derm relives his best year yet...

What's been the highlight of the year for you?

I've really enjoyed my job this year. With any work you get a bit jaded sometimes, but this year I've really, really loved it.

Do you think this was the year of Little Brother outdoing Big Brother?

I think circumstances dictated that really. But if that's true it's because people watched Little Brother knowing they could get a good daily dose of Big Brother with a nice slice of irony thrown in.

How have your dance moves been coming on?

They've taken a bit of a knock to be honest. I don't know how much more I can add to the Life is a Rollercoaster routine but I'm trying to teach myself how to breakdance.

You turned 30 this year - do you feel any different?

I've recently discovered a taste for wine which everyone says happens when you're 30. I've always liked it but now I've started to know the difference between wines. Saying that, I haven't quite reached the age where I like olives.

What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you this year?

The picture of me in heat playing American football.

Have you made any new celebrity friends this year?

I met Stephen Fry the other day and he was lovely. He said a lot of words like "robustuous". I've met a few bands too - Athlete are great.

Are you excited about Christmas?

Yes! Me and my family have a really nice routine on Christmas Day - We get up early and go to Mass, have a nice breakfast, open some presents, watch my dad drink Bucks Fizz then go for a long walk.

Chestnuts or Brazils?

Brazils. I like roasted chestnuts, but I always end up getting lots of shit in my mouth when I eat them.

What do you hope to get in your sack?

I always make lists of things I need but my parents are exceptionally lazy when it comes to presents. For the last three years I've had a card saying "Here's £100 towards a pool table". They know full well I'm never actually going to get one.

Who will be stuffing the turkey in your household?

My dad's vegetarian so we don't go that meat-heavy. We just get one of those really gay turkey rolls instead.

What's your New Year's resolution?

If anything, it's to try and make more time for my friends.

Could 2004 be the year you decide to grow your barnet?

[Laughs] No absolutely not. I've got a big wirey head. I know I'm a geek - I don't need the rest of the world to see it.

Article taken from heat magazine 20 December 2003 - 2 January 2004