Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

ITV This Morning's Dermot O'Leary 'honoured' as he shares unusual achievement

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."

READ MORE: Eamonn Holmes suffers set back and has to undergo second surgery in chronic pain battle

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!"

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.