Dermot O'Leary has said he's 'honoured' as he celebrated an achievement that not everyone will be able to boast. The This Morning host has received the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his charitable work and patronage of charity the London Irish Centre.
The TV star, who also currently presents a weekend breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 as well as co-presenting Friday's edition of ITV daytime show with Alison Hammond, attended his ceremony at The Mansion House in London on Tuesday (November 1). After receiving the honour, Dermot said: "I am genuinely honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London.
"Anyone who knows me will know that two of my great loves are this wonderful city and my Irish heritage so, to receive the Freedom alongside my London Irish Centre friends makes it all the more special. Countless Irish people, like my own parents, brought so much to this great city, so I would like to sincerely thank the Lord Mayor in honouring those experiences and contributions today, and I proudly and humbly accept this on their behalf."
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Dermot, who was born in Colchester after his parents emigrated to the UK from Wexford in Ireland, was joined at The Mansion House – the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London – by family members, friends and representatives from the London Irish Centre.
The former X Factor host is a patron of Camden-based charity the London Irish Centre, supporting the charity’s work in providing advice, support, culture, and community services to the Irish community in London. He was nominated for the Freedom of the City of London by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Vincent Keaveny, and member and court assistant of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, Vince Dignam.
Taking to Instagram with some beaming pictures, Dermot, 49, wrote: "Quite the day. Humbled to have been given the Freedom of the City of London today, from the man himself - Vincent Keaveny. Truly privileged, and felt a (tiny) bit teary to be patron of the @londonirishcentre.
He added: "Thanks so much to my dear friend @garydunneinsta. They do incredible work. Keep the fires burning, and the drawbridge down. I’m standing on the shoulders of giants. Now, bring me my sheep." And the congratulatory messages soon came flooding in.
This Morning chef Clodagh McKenna replied: " That’s incredible Dermot!! Such a special moment." Carol Vorderman said: "Huge congratulations Dermot...Just wonderful." TV presenter Angela Scanlon wrote: " So sorry we couldn’t be there. Congrats pal, hugely deserved." Former Corrie star Nicola Thorp added: " WHAAAAA AMAZING!"
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