Dermot O’Leary receives Freedom of the City of London award

Presenter Dermot O’Leary has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London for his Irish Centre charity work.

The 49-year-old BBC Radio 2 and This Morning presenter attended his award ceremony at The Mansion House in London with his wife Dee Koppang.

O’Leary, whose parents Séan and Maria emigrated from Wexford to the UK, was nominated by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Vincent Keaveny and Court Assistant of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, Vince Dignam for his patronage of the London Irish centre.

The centre in Camden, north London, provides advice, support, and community services to the city’s Irish community.

“I am genuinely honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London,” said Mr O’Leary.

“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.”

The former X Factor host is also an ambassador for both Unicef and Catholic international development charity Cafod.

Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny said:“Dermot is familiar to many millions of us, either, from watching him on TV or listening to his radio show but more than that, he is also a dedicated and much valued charity campaigner.

“As the City’s first Irish National Lord Mayor, I was particularly delighted to nominate Dermot for the Freedom of the City of London, which is one of our most ancient and proud traditions, and which he richly deserves.”

Freedom of the City of London is one of the City of London’s ancient traditions, supposedly started in 1237.

Usually, it’s awarded to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a highly significant achievement.