Dermot O'Leary wanted to be an actor.

Dermot O'Leary

Dermot O'Leary

The 'X Factor' host has managed to carve out a highly successful career as a presenter but he has admitted he initially wanted to bag a role in a drama because he loved watching television.

Dermot - who is married to television producer Dee Koppang - told Hello! magazine: "We watch a lot of drama.

"I can't get enough of it, and I love 'The Crown'. I wanted to be an actor when I started out, and watching drama was like reading a book to me - you don't want to wish your way through the best bits. I like to experience and saviour the moments."

And, although they're both busy with their own careers, the 44-year-old hunk and his wife - whom he married in 2012 - try to make time for each other by comparing their diaries.

He explained: "You muddle through. We're not any different to any couple that both work, but we do go through our diaries together."

Meanwhile, Dermot is happy presenting the singing show but has admitted he'd walk away with ease if he felt like it was becoming too samey because he likes how unpredictable it is every year.

He said recently: "No, because, if it was I wouldn't do it, you never know what's coming round the corner, that's what I love about the gig, one auditionee is completely different to the next auditionee so the people you meeting on a daily basis are all the colours of the rainbow and you meet great people on the show."

But he'd be thrilled if the show runs for another six year so it could celebrate its 20th anniversary.

He added: "That would be great, wouldn't it! What a testament for the show is on air for 20 years.

"When I was on 'Big Brother' we couldn't believe we were on air as long as we were, for the show to still resonate with the public and to average 8 million every week across 16 weeks, it's a testament people are still talking about the show."


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