X Factor host Dermot O'Leary is to front a youth-oriented Question Time for the BBC in a bid to engage a younger generation with politics, it was announced. O'Leary will host First Time Voters' Question Time for BBC3 next month in front of an audience which has not previously cast their vote in an election. The programme will feature representatives from "the main political parties", although names will be finalised nearer to the live broadcast on March 3. O'Leary revealed last month he had been in discussions with the BBC to present a political show. The programme, which is to be filmed at Canary Wharf, east London, will come shortly before a general election. Although a date has yet to be announced, it is being tipped for May. The special edition of Question Time - which is normally fronted on BBC1 by David Dimbleby - is part of a package of BBC3 shows aimed at bringing politics to 16 to 34-year-olds. Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC3, said: "BBC3 has a unique role to play as the only youth-targeted British television channel with a regular and passionate commitment to current affairs. "We have exciting plans to cover the build-up to the general election, and are keen to engage young people who may not typically watch political coverage. "We're delighted to have Dermot O'Leary as our host for this programme. He is passionate about politics and hugely popular with young people."
