Dermot O'Leary has opened up about becoming a father to a toddler and how becoming a parent has changed his priorities.
The TV presenter, 50, lives in London with his wife Dee Koppang O'Leary and son Kasper, three.
Speaking to The Times, he explained how much energy it takes to keep up with his little boy, saying it can be “working your tail off”.
Dermot said: ‘I'm 50 this year and being a father to a three-year-old can be a full-time job. A friend who had twins just before Kasper was born said to me, “Don't worry about your age, just make sure you stay fit”. And he was right. I took Kasper to the Royal Air Force Museum last week and it was like an Olympic sprint, running from exhibit to exhibit. As soon as we got out, he said: ‘Can we go round?'
He went on to describe his love for his family, saying that everyday tasks like changing nappies or playing silly games were the best part.
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Candid: Dermot O'Leary has opened up about becoming a father to a toddler and how becoming a parent has changed his priorities (pictured this month)
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Parents: The TV presenter, 50, lives in London with wife Dee Koppang O'Leary and son Kasper, three (pictured in February)
He explained: ‘Dee's job means we're not always together but on the evenings when we are, we make the most of our time together as a family. I can't understand parents who don't enjoy changing nappies or crawling around on the carpet pretending to be a race car. Isn't that the absolute joy of parenthood?'
Dermot added that his priorities in life have changed since his son was born, from material needs to how he wants to spend his free time.
He said: ‘Having a child has changed what I want in life and what makes me happy. Do I need another car? The latest gadget? Some vintage Van Morrison vinyl? No, forget about material things. What I want is to be with the people I love. Being a father has made me see the world in a different light.'
Dermot revealed that his wife Dee had given birth to their first child in an Instagram post in June 2020
Posting a cute picture of a custom-made baby outfit, he wrote: ‘Welcome baby Koppang O'Leary to the world… We are so excited to announce that we have a baby!
‘A baby boy was born on Tuesday 23 June 2020 (Sankthansaften / Midsummer Day for Norwegians) at 8.19am, weighing 6lb 13oz.
‘Enjoying the cuddles in the newborn bubble… the cats are still not completely convinced. Much love, Dermot & Dee x.'
The couple first met in 2002 when they worked for the same TV production company and got engaged in New York in December 2011, before tying the knot the following year.
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Baby joy! Dermot revealed that his wife Dee had given birth to their first child in an Instagram post in June 2020, posting a sweet snap of a personalised baby outfit
The news comes after Dermot returned to hosting This Morning on Friday after his summer break.
However, as she greeted co-host Alison Hammond, she accidentally left a make-up mark on his T-shirt.
Welcoming Dermot back to the show, the pair hugged tightly, with Alison exclaiming that she felt like she had a ‘warm blanket next to me'.
However, when Dermot pulled away, the star realised the accident as she pointed to his shoulder, where a smudge of Alison's foundation had appeared.
‘Oh no, oh no,' Alison exclaimed, while Dermot exclaimed ‘There it is!'
‘It's Hammondater,' the star joked before apologising for the unfortunate stain on her pale cream top.
‘I'm sorry, why do you always cut in on me?' she asked before apologising again, ‘I'm so sorry, I saw it straight away.'
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Welcome back! Dermot returns to host This Morning on Friday after the summer break
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Oh! However, when she greeted co-host Alison Hammond, she accidentally left a make-up stain on his T-shirt