The X Factor's Dermot O'Leary in talks to present BBC political show

The X Factor host Dermot O'Leary is in talks with the BBC to present a political show. O'Leary, who is 36 and also hosts a three-hour music show on BBC Radio 2, revealed that he was in talks about such a programme in an interview published in the latest Radio Times. It would air in the run-up to the general election. "It won't be anything particularly serious," O'Leary said. "I won't be the man with the swingometer, but politics is a huge obsession with me, so I'm incredibly excited about it." He did not consider himself a "classic, mainstream shiny-floor presenter", he said, despite having mainly worked on entertainment shows. "I always try to bring a little bit of edge to whatever I'm doing, but at the same time I'm not a comedian," he said. "I'd love to do something that is documentary-based, but something slightly more than 'straight'." • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".