X-Factor's Dermot: Save me from the sob stories

Dermot O'Leary hates listening to sob stories on 'The X Factor'.

The 41-year-old presenter, who is preparing to host this year's National Television Awards, has revealed he gets emotional when filming the show, but not because of the sob stories of the contestants.

He told The Sun newspaper: "It's not the sob stories. I hate the sob-story route so I'm proud that we didn't go down it last year and I sincerely hope we never do it again.

"But emotions do get heightened and the more you get to know the contestants - especially at Boot Camp - the more you care about them.

"I always cry when I'm tired. That's when little things can set me off. Someone will say: 'I miss my dog' and I'll be bawling: 'I miss my cat!' It's ridiculous."

The 'X Factor' host is nominated for Best Entertainment Presenter at the National Television Awards, but says he doesn't expect to win, predicting Ant and Dec will take the award home.

He explained: "Me, Keith Lemon and Bradley Walsh might as well give it to them now. In fact, there should be an award about who's going to be a runner-up to Ant and Dec."