06 March 2024 , 17:07
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Dermot O'Leary's new project is worlds away from his role as co-host on This Morning and he has said that it was a "privilege" to have been given the opportunity to take part.
The presenter, 50, will front a special episode of the BBC's Saving Lives at Sea to commemorate the bicentenary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (the RNLI). It's due to be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer next week.
The ambassador and long-time supporter of the RNLI will "uncover the untold story of the institution's heroic efforts" in the Second World War. It includes him discovering how volunteers "found themselves literally on the front line".
During the upcoming anniversary episode, BBC Radio 2 host Dermot visits several lifeboat stations and hears stories from former crew members. He's described the opportunity as a "privilege" and said it "left a real impression" on him.
Dermot O'Leary will front a special episode of the BBC's Saving Lives at Sea to commemorate the bicentenary of the RNLI (BBC/Blast Films/Tim Knight)He said: "As an ambassador for the RNLI and a huge history fan, it was a privilege for me to uncover some of the untold stories that saw ordinary volunteers get involved in some of the most extraordinary events of the Second World War." Dermot further commented about it: "The brave men and women we heard about left a real impression on me, as did the present-day volunteers I was able to meet along the way, who are still saving lives at sea today."
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Mark Dowie, RNLI Chief Executive, said about the project: "As the RNLI marks 200 years of lifesaving, we look forward to seeing this very special episode of Saving Lives at Sea sharing some of our incredible stories from the Second World War. As viewers will see, our lifeboat crews played a remarkable role during the war, with stories of great tragedy and also immense bravery featured in the episode.
"Over the course of [the War], the RNLI saved 6,376 lives. Our lifeboat crews towed vessels loaded with explosives, navigated minefields and rescued downed aircrew from both sides during the Battle of Britain. And today, our selfless volunteers continue to go to the aid of those in peril at sea whoever they are and wherever they are from, just like our lifeboat crews have been doing for 200 years."
The special's release comes following line-up changes on ITV's This Morning. Dermot has been one of the co-hosts on the show since 2021 but now has some new colleagues following the arrival of Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. They have taken over as the main hosts of the show, filling the vacancies left by the departures of Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. Ben and Cat will front This Morning from Monday to Thursday, whilst Dermot and Alison Hammond remain the presenters on Friday mornings.
Saving Lives at Sea: In World War Two is set to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer next Tuesday (March 12) from 9pm.