**Dermot O’Leary Returns to Host Soccer Aid 2025: Revealing Personal Stories and Passion for UNICEF**
Dermot O’Leary is set to lead ITV’s coverage of Soccer Aid for the 15th consecutive year this Sunday at Old Trafford, continuing his longstanding commitment to both broadcast entertainment and charitable initiatives. As preparations for the annual spectacle reach fever pitch, O’Leary’s involvement is under even greater scrutiny, not only for his role in fronting the event but also for fresh insights into his personal life—including his true name, his marriage to a celebrated producer, and a candid revelation about a health challenge.
The much-anticipated charity football match, which kicks off at 7.30pm in Manchester on 15 June, raises significant funds in support of UNICEF, a cause close to O’Leary’s heart. For those unfamiliar, Soccer Aid brings together a star-studded line-up of celebrities and former professional footballers, attracting millions of viewers each year while supporting children in need across the globe. Alongside his presenting duties, O’Leary has also served as a UNICEF UK Ambassador throughout his tenure, further cementing his commitment to the organisation’s mission.
Speaking ahead of the event, O’Leary expressed the profound impact that Soccer Aid has had on him, particularly since he became a father. “Soccer Aid for UNICEF is such a uniquely meaningful event for me—both as a parent, and as someone who has witnessed first-hand the difference UNICEF’s programmes make,” he remarked. With this year’s game coinciding with Father’s Day, he noted, “The significance feels even greater. Supporting this year’s match will help offer children the chance for a brighter, healthier and happier future.”
While many viewers know him simply as Dermot O’Leary, few realise his full birth name is Seán Dermot Fintan O’Leary Jr. Born in Colchester to Irish parents who emigrated from Ireland in 1968, O’Leary has always identified strongly with his Irish heritage, even though he grew up in England. In previous interviews, he has explained, “I always describe myself as Irish but not from Ireland… I’ve had an Irish passport since childhood. My parents never pushed that identity—it just felt natural.”
Beyond his presenting accolades—which include years anchoring *The X Factor* and regular stints on *This Morning* and his BBC Radio Two weekend show—O’Leary’s personal life has often drawn interest. He is married to Dee Koppang O’Leary, a prominent TV and film producer originally from Oslo, Norway. Following her parents’ separation, she moved to the UK as a child and was educated at St Lawrence College in Ramsgate. Koppang’s notable credits include producing critically acclaimed series such as *The Crown* and *Bridgerton* for Netflix, as well as the BBC drama *The Split*.
The couple’s relationship began in 2002 and culminated in a star-studded wedding ceremony at Chiddingstone Castle in 2012, attended by a host of well-known friends, including James Corden, Chris O’Dowd and Bear Grylls. Together, they have one son, Kasper, born in June 2020, and the family resides in the fashionable Primrose Hill area of north London, where they also care for two rescue cats.
In recent months, O’Leary has opened up about a painful health issue with which he has been coping—temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a condition affecting the jaw and surrounding muscles. Describing his experience on *This Morning* in April, he detailed how the sudden onset left him wincing in pain whenever he tried to eat. “I woke up last October half term with sharp pain every time I opened my mouth,” he recounted, explaining how he initially downplayed the symptoms before seeking specialist help.
Treatment involved the expertise of a physiotherapist who helped manage his discomfort, a process O’Leary was keen to share in the hope of raising awareness about the condition. “It’s easy to dismiss things like this, but it really was debilitating at times,” he admitted.
As Soccer Aid 2025 approaches, the event once again shines a light not only on world-class footballing entertainment but also on the personalities and personal challenges behind the television spectacle. O’Leary’s openness about his private life and health journey brings added relatability to a figure already beloved by millions.
Sunday’s match at Old Trafford promises to be yet another memorable night, combining sporting excitement with a deep sense of purpose—qualities that Dermot O’Leary, both as presenter and humanitarian, has come to embody throughout his remarkable career.