Former X Factor host Dermot O’Leary has acknowledged that the long-running talent show would be made differently today, given the changing cultural landscape and growing scrutiny over how reality TV contestants are treated.
Speaking in an interview with The Sunday Times, O’Leary reflected on his time at the helm of the popular ITV series, which he presented from 2007 to 2014, and then again for its final three seasons. While he defended the show’s intentions and the treatment of most contestants, he admitted that The X Factor would need to evolve to meet today’s expectations around care and mental health.
“The culture is different now,” O’Leary said. “If the show was made now, it’d be made differently.” He added: “It was pretty much always celebratory, but not everyone is going to have the best experience.”
The show has faced mounting criticism in recent years from former contestants who claimed it mistreated some participants. Among those speaking out were pop duo Jedward and singer Misha B, both of whom expressed concerns about their treatment on and off screen. Their comments reignited conversations around reality television’s responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of its stars — both during the show and afterwards.
O’Leary acknowledged the complaints but was also quick to stress that, in his view, “most of the people we had on were treated really well.” However, he admitted that not all participants may have had “the best experience”, particularly once the cameras stopped rolling.
“I think 99 out of 100 actually missed the show – they missed the bubble,” he said. “So if there is a duty of care to be looked at, it’s what happens afterwards.”
He spoke candidly about the role he took seriously during filming, making efforts to connect with contestants behind the scenes to help ease the pressures of public scrutiny. “I used to go down on Thursday and Friday. I didn’t have to – I just took the job seriously,” he explained. “So I’d ingratiate myself with the singers and make sure they were comfortable, because you want them to be able to have their moment on the weekend.”
The X Factor, once one of the most watched shows on British television, was the launchpad for some of the UK’s biggest musical acts, including One Direction, Little Mix, Olly Murs, and Leona Lewis. Known as much for its dramatic auditions as its musical success stories, the programme became a cultural touchstone during its peak years.
But behind the glitz and glamour, some former contestants have raised troubling issues about their experience on the show, leading to broader conversations about the mental health support available in the entertainment industry.
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O’Leary, who currently hosts a weekly show on BBC Radio 2 and presents This Morning on Fridays, said these conversations are overdue and necessary. “That’s an industry-wide conversation that should be had,” he said, referring to the lack of support many face after the spotlight fades.
The discussion comes in the wake of the tragic death of X Factor alumnus Liam Payne, formerly of One Direction, who died in October 2024 at the age of 31 after a fall in Buenos Aires. While not directly referencing Payne’s death, O’Leary stressed the importance of comprehensive care for individuals navigating sudden fame.
“Duty of care is the most important thing when doing shows like this,” he said. “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.”
As the landscape of reality television continues to evolve, O’Leary’s remarks reflect a growing awareness within the industry that the format must adapt — not just for entertainment, but for the long-term wellbeing of those who take part.
