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January 12, 2010

X Factor host Dermot O’ Leary in talks to front BBC political show

By admin

X Factor host Dermot O’ Leary has revealed in the Radio Times that he is in talks with the BBC to front a new politics show.

O’ Leary, who is also a DJ on BBC Radio 2, spoke of his “excitement” at the prospect of doing a political programme, but said it will not be “particularly serious”.

“I won’t be the man with the swingometer, but politics is a huge obsession with me, so I’m incredibly excited about it.

“It’s a bit weird because I don’t really consider myself a classic, mainstream shiny-floor presenter.

“I always try to bring a little bit of edge to whatever I’m doing, but at the same time I’m not a comedian.

“I’d love to do something that is documentary-based, but slightly more than ‘straight’.”

Last month X Factor producer, Simon Cowell told BBC’s Newsnight he was thinking of launching a political debate programme ahead of the general election for the public to talk and vote on “hot topics”.

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Cowell wants the show to have a “bear pit” atmosphere and a red telephone for Number 10 to ring in on.

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