Dermot O’Leary has opened up about the pride he has in his Irish heritage. The X-Factor host was born in the UK, but both of his parents hail from Wexford.
The 43-year-old is a patron for the London Irish Centre, located in Camden. Speaking at the centre’s Christmas appeal yesterday, Dermot told of the circumstances that found his Irish parents moving to Britain, and why he feels it’s important to take care of the Irish community living in London.
“It’s a big honour for me to be patron of the London Irish Centre. I’m very proud of my Irish heritage, my parents were part of the post war generation of immigrants who came to London to find a new life, so the London Irish community is one that is very close to my heart.
“We want and need the Irish community to support this important work for the Irish in most need,” he said.
The centre provides support for the Irish emigrants living in London who may be dealing with issues such as isolation, mental health troubles, addiction problems and homelessness.
We’re proud to call Dermot one of our own.
