Dermot O’Leary dedicates The Nightly Show to ‘beautiful, vibrant’ London after terror attacks

Dermot O’Leary dedicated Thursday’s episode of The Nightly Show to London in the wake of the Westminster terror attacks.

The host of ITV’s new late night entertainment programme, which was replaced by a special news report on Wednesday evening, paid tribute to everyone living in the ‘beautiful, vibrant’ capital.

“Before we start the show, the terror attacks yesterday happened just a mile away from here where we film The Nightly Show,” he said as he opened the show.

“Tonight, we’re dedicating our show to London – the people who live here, the people who visit here and the people who work hard to keep us safe here. People say London isn’t Britain, but to be honest, I think it is.”

O’Leary went on to give a heartfelt speech about how being a Londoner had nothing to do about where you were born or what race you are.

“Being a Londoner has nothing to do with being born here, your colour of skin or the faith you follow,” he said.

“It’s about acceptance, tolerance, stoicism and respect. It’s about millions of people being able to live side-by-side day-by-day in an exciting, vibrant, infuriating, beautiful city.

“And as awful as yesterday was, we know that will endure, mine – and it is just mine – humble opinion, it will make us stronger.”

James Corden paid tribute to Londoners on the Late Late Show the previous evening, sending his ‘heartfelt thoughts’ to everyone in his hometown.

Five people have now been confirmed dead after a car ploughed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge on Wednesday afternoon, including PC Keith Palmer who was fatally stabbed outside Parliament.