COLCHESTER’S television golden boy Dermot O’Leary has celebrated receiving a prestigious honour in recognition of his charitable work.

The 49-year-old presenter, who hosts a weekend breakfast show on BBC Radio 2, was gifted the Freedom of the City of London during a ceremony on Tuesday.

The former Colchester Sixth Form student said he was “genuinely honoured” to accept the privilege which nodded to his patronage of charity the London Irish Centre.

Dermot, who was born in Colchester after his parents emigrated to the UK from Wexford in Ireland, was joined at The Mansion House in the capital by his family, friends and representatives from the charity.

Gazette: Prestigious - Dermot O'Leary and Vincent KeavenyPrestigious - Dermot O'Leary and Vincent Keaveny (Image: William Walsh/City of London Corporation)

“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,” he said.

“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.”

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The former St Benedict’s College pupil shot to stardom when asked to host The X Factor in 2007, having started his broadcasting career at BBC Essex.

He was nominated for the Freedom of the City of London by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Vincent Keaveny, and member and court assistant of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, Vince Dignam.

Gazette: Award - Dermot O'Leary with his honourAward - Dermot O'Leary with his honour (Image: William Walsh/City of London Corporation)

Mr 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 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.”

“His sterling support for the London Irish Centre is being recognised today in a unique way by the city, and I feel sure that he will always remember this special occasion.”