- published: 19 Jan 2014
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Dermot O'Leary (born Seán Dermot Fintan O'Leary, Jr.) (born 24 May 1973) is a television and radio presenter. He established himself as a presenter of Big Brother's Little Brother on Channel 4 before moving on to The X Factor on ITV. O'Leary has also presented on the BBC and has his own radio show on BBC Radio 2. He is also notable for being the last person to introduce Michael Jackson in public before his death.
O'Leary was born in Colchester, Essex, England to Wexford-born Irish parents Sean and Marie,He is "extremely proud" of his Irish roots and he carries an Irish passport. He attended primary school in Marks Tey and later St Benedict's Catholic College in Colchester, graduating with two General Certificates of Secondary Education, and Colchester Sixth Form College.
O'Leary studied at Middlesex University, achieving a degree in Media and Television with Politics. He achieved a 2:2.[citation needed] Whilst at Middlesex University he developed an interest in comedy and was involved in various gigs in the students' union. He was also a member of the university's chess society.