Dermot O'Leary: 'Strictly would deserve to beat The X Factor'

Dermot O'Leary has said that Strictly Come Dancing will deserve to beat The X Factor to the 'Most Popular Talent Show' prize at the National Television Awards (NTAs) if it does walk away with the gong.

The X Factor host told Heat that he hoped his show would win, but added that the result of the public vote would be the right one.

O'Leary said: "I'd love us to win, because it'll be a real vindication of the new judges. But if Strictly win, they'll deserve it."

He added of the ceremony: "It's a lot funnier when Simon [Cowell]'s there. He hates to lose. Last time we lost, I was two seats away from him and his face was amazing. So at least if we lose we'll all get to see that again."

The X Factor was overtaken by Strictly in the ratings this year when both shows aired a Halloween special

However, the X Factor final was the most-watched show of the year, with 13.7 million people catching the December 11 broadcast, beating the Royal Wedding into second place.

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Of the 'Most Popular Entertainment Presenter' category in which he has been nominated, O'Leary quipped: "It would be great if someone a bit leftfield won an award this year - like me!

"Ant & Dec have won it for ten years running. It's time for change!"

Watch Dermot O'Leary launch the 2012 National Television Awards below: