If there’s one thing that makes The X Factor hopefuls feel better after they’ve had some bad news, it’s a cuddle from Dermot O’Leary.
And it sounds like a certain royal has been looking on with envy as the loveable presenter, 44, dishes out his trademark embraces on the ITV singing show.
Dermot has revealed that none other than PRINCE WILLIAM requested a hug when the two met at the 2017 Pride Of Britain Awards.
Dermy was at the posh London bash with his X Factor chums Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh, and when they met the future King of England, 35, the presenter was surprised at how easy-going he was.
He told The Sun: “[William] came to me and said: ‘You know what I need? I need a Dermot hug.’ And I said: ‘Right, bring it on.’ So we had a hug and he went: ‘Oh, that’s a good hug, and it’s important to hug.’
“If he was briefed, he was exceptionally well briefed. It was a touching moment – we brought it in together. He’s a good hugger.”
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Dermot presented his first series of The X Factor in 2007, taking over from Kate Thornton.
He’s fronted every series since – with the exception of 2015’s show, when he was replaced by Olly Murs and Caroline Flack.
Olly is now a mentor on BBC’s rival singing show The Voice, but Dermy suggested that the singer would be welcome back any time.
Speaking of former X Factor stars making a return, last week the Metro quoted Dermot as saying that “Cheryl’s coming back”.
But the presenter now seems to be back-tracking on that suggestion, saying he honestly doesn’t know if Chez will return to the show.
With a Dermot hug on the cards, how could she possibly refuse?
Dermot, meanwhile, will be on stage tonight hosting the National Television Awards.
He recently revealed to OK! magazine there is one sign to look out for if you want to know whether or not he’s nervous: a red ear!
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“I always get a little nervous. I have one ear that always goes red and my make-up artist calls it my adrenaline ear. She has to powder one of my ears!” he laughed.
“My autocue went down for the first three minutes during the last X Factor final. I’m petrified of that happening and that’s why you do your prep and co-write the script and put time in to practise.”
Good luck, Dermot!