⁠How long did Dermot O'Leary host The X Factor? Irish presenter seemingly defends the show in the wake of criticisms

The X Factor's long-time host, Dermot O'Leary, has spoken out in the wake of fresh criticism of the program's treatment of competitors. His remarks have come after One Direction member Liam Payne's untimely death in October 2024, which caused public outrage and backlash from previous competitors. In a series of interviews this April, O'Leary defended the show's ethos while acknowledging the need for better aftercare across the entertainment business as he looked back on his time with the TV talent competition.

Dermot O'Leary, who hosted The X Factor for 10 years, first from 2007 to 2014, and then again later during its final seasons from 2016 to 2018. At its prime, it was the most viewed show in all of Britain, which millions would watch and help launch the careers of bands like One Direction, Little Mix, and singer Olly Murs.

In recent years, however, complaints from past competitors, who claimed that they were abused during or after their time on The X Factor, have cast a shadow over the show's legacy, despite its widespread appeal. Misha B, Rebecca Ferguson, Katie Waissel, and the musical band Jedward were among the many who have been voicing their worries.

Several past contestants blasted The X Factor for what they saw as insufficient mental health care when Liam Payne died in October 2024, purportedly after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. The 31-year-old Payne has previously been candid about his battles with substance abuse and mental health issues.

In an interview with The Times, former host O'Leary responded to these worries. He expressed deep sorrow for the loss while describing Payne as

"both wise and sort of a young soul"

However, O'Leary pushed back on the idea that the long-term difficulties faced by many of the participants were caused by The X Factor itself.

"The culture is different": Dermot O'Leary on Then vs. Now

Dermot O'Leary stated in the interview that if The X Factor had been produced today, it would be "made differently" and noted that television culture has changed drastically since the show's prime. He did, however, stress that the program was "pretty much always celebratory" during his time. O'Leary also implied that many of the unfavorable tales originated from off-camera incidents that occurred after participants left the show. Speaking to The Times, he stated:

“If the show was made now, it’d be made differently. The culture is different, but it was pretty much always celebratory. Look, not everyone on the show is going to knock it out of the park. Not everyone is going to have the best experience."

In addition, Dermot O'Leary claimed that

"99 out of 100 actually missed the show-they missed the bubble"

He suggested that most attendees had a great and distinctive experience with the show despite the criticism:

"But most of the people we had on were treated really well, and a lot of people who have talked negatively about their experiences are talking about what happened after they left. I think 99 out of 100 actually missed the show — they missed the bubble. So if there is a duty of care to be looked at, it’s what happens afterwards.”

Rather than simply deflecting blame, O'Leary took the chance to call for a broader, sensitive conversation about the duty of care that the entertainment industry must have in general. He stated that The X Factor did take caution seriously in his time and hoped that if the program were to be recreated now, these concerns would be more pressing than ever. O'Leary added:

“And that’s an industry-wide conversation that should be had. Duty of care is the most important thing when doing shows like this and I wouldn’t dare to presume to speak for everyone. But in my experience, it was always taken seriously on the show – and would be even more thorough now.”

O'Leary often visited the set on Thursdays and Fridays to see how the singers were doing before their weekend concerts, even though it wasn't asked of him. The Sunday Times reported on his own behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure that participants were at ease.

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