'I'm a very lucky boy': X Factor host Dermot O'Leary engaged to long-term love Dee Koppang

By Emily Sheridan


Popping the question: TV presenter Dermot O'Leary, pictured at the One Day premiere in August, is engaged to long-term girlfriend Dee Koppang


X Factor host Dermot O'Leary is thrilled after his long-term girlfriend Dee Koppang accepted his proposal.

The presenter and his TV producer/director partner got engaged during a mini-break in New York earlier this month.

Although the couple had remained coy with their big news, it was 'outed' by Xtra Factor co-host Caroline Flack last night.


She said: 'We want to congratulate you... on your engagement!'

When Xtra Factor co-host asked O'Leary why he had taken so long to propose after the couple had been dating for nine years, he replied: 'Well, you don't want to rush these things.'

Writing on his Twitter page after the show, he thanked fans for their congratulatory messages.

He tweeted: 'Thanks for all the tweets tonight. Very lucky boy.'

Congratulations: He thanked fans on Twitter after his engagement was announced on Xtra Factor


O'Leary apparently got down on one knee and presented Koppang with a diamond engagement ring during a steak dinner at Saxon & Parole in Manhattan's NoHo.

It comes seven months after the couple bought a £3.5million home in North London earlier this year.

The presenter recently admitted they were spending quite a lot fixing it up: 'We are going through a period of, "How much?"'

When they bought the place in April, a friend rightly predicated a proposal would soon follow.

Plush: O'Leary popped the question in New York restaurant Saxon And Parole


The pal said: 'Don't be surprised if the next thing he splashes out on is a sparkler for Dee. She'd love that.'

The couple met in 2002 when they were working for the same TV company.

In an interview two years ago, he admitted they had discussed marriage: 'You're not with someone for seven years unless you're deeply in love with them. For the time being that's enough for me. Of course I want to get married and I'd be gutted if she didn't say the same thing.

'But she's a career-orientated girl. There are things she needs to do before we get married, and I'm cool about it. I've thought long and hard and I probably wouldn't be ready to have children yet.'


Excitement: O'Leary arriving at the Fountain Studios for Saturday night's live X Factor show


source:dailymail