X Factor - Dermot O'Leary interview

September 7 2007 - He's taken over from Kate Thornton as the host of the X Factor this year, but how is Dermot O'Leary finsing his new job? He tells My Park Magazine...

Are you excited to be the new X Factor host? How does it compare to other jobs you have done in the past?
It's a lot bigger and I'm very excited. I guess it's the closest I'm ever going to get to being a footballer in terms of "here's our big money signing." It's like going from a middle weight to a heavy weight.

Did the nerves kick in on your first day at your new job?
The night before I was a bit nervous. I only really get nervous when I don't know what I'm doing but the minute I got there the nerves went.

How have you enjoyed filming the auditions? Was the talent what you expected?
I just love the mix of people. When Simon spoke to me and said "we want you to do this job because you like people", I'd never really thought of it like that but the more I do the job the more I realise I can genuinely talk the hind legs off a donkey! The auditions are really interesting because some people turn up who'll be over the moon to get three 'no's' if they get a yes out of Simon. Then you've got your genuine punters and of course your self delusional's who can be quite difficult to be around.

How do you deal with the more colourful characters?
You deal with it case by case. Some you can have fun with and be objective with and some you can be incredulous with and go "my god, they didn't put you through?!" Some just want to blame anyone aside from themselves. I've lost count of the amount of times people have come out and said "that wasn't my best performance but Simon didn't give me a chance" and I'm like but you just said it wasn't your best performance?!

Do you find yourself getting emotionally involved in the contestant's stories?
Some of the contestants real life stories are so emotional. There's a mother of two who's husband dropped down dead last year. He was only in his twenties and she'd promised him she would give it a go which is why she was there. I'd rather turn the camera off with those types of stories as I was welling up as she was telling me about it. There was a 21 year old girl whose parents had both passed away and she sang the same song she'd sang at her their funeral which was very sad.

What was your favourite audition city?
London surprised me as everyone said it wouldn't be good as Londoners are a bit uber cool, but in fact London was really good talent wise. Sheffield surprised me in terms of the talent there, it was the first time The X Factor had been to Sheffield so it was lovely to see the genuine excitement there.

Any particularly memorable contestants we should look out for?
I don't want to give too much away but one boy and one girl particularly stand out for me. They were both bright eyed, they were there for the right reasons and delivered in the judging room. They were both natural performers and I think even potential winners!

What's it like working with the Judges and who's your favourite?!
That's so hard! Sharon you just want to cuddle from the minute you see her. I'd heard about the Osbourne effect but never experienced it and it is extraordinary! You can't help just saying "Sharon, is there any chance I could hug you?!" Simon is a very down to earth guy, Dannii is a far stronger woman than people give her credit for and Louis is Louis!

What's your theory on why contestants insist on seeking Simon's approval even though he's been nasty to them?
It's the Daddy syndrome! Everyone wants Daddy to love them! People will come out and get three brutal no's from the Judges but they'll be pleased as punch because they got a yes from Simon. All they want is a yes from Daddy. That's my theory…

Are you getting nervous about the live shows?
I am but I can't wait for them to start! I can't wait to get my teeth into the live shows.

What tips and advice would you give to those thinking of auditioning?
From what I've seen so far – know your limits. If you're a really good pop singer, sing a pop song. Sing songs that really matter to you –your reach shouldn't exceed your grasp.

What would you sing if you had to audition in front of the Judges?
I'd struggle to say what song I would pick but I know which one I wouldn't! You see people sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow which Leona did spectacularly last year and the amount of people that come in and sing that. Leona won so there is no reason as to why you'd sing that song thinking "that'll impress the judges!"

How will you keep the Judges in check if they start bickering on the live shows?
With a big stick - I think corporal punishment is the only way to go!

Image (C) ITV Plc