Dermot Has The X Factor

Dermot O’Leary has been chosen to replace recently axed Kate Thornton as presenter of X-Factor.

The presenter currently hosts Channel 4’s Big Brother’s Little Brother and is said to be flattered by the two-series offer.

Speaking about his appointment, O’Leary said: “I’m really looking forward to working with Simon and the team on the kind of Saturday night entertainment show I grew up watching.”

Duncan Gray, ITV’s Controller of Entertainment added: “Dermot is a star. He’s warm, clever and funny and he was our number one choice for the job. We’re thrilled to have him on ITV.”

Having fired Louis Walsh as a judge at the same time as Kate Thornton, the fourth-series is now expected to have four judges, with one rumoured to be American Idol judge Randy Jackson.

The X-Factor is a ratings winner for the commercial broadcaster, peaking at over 10.5 million viewers for the final in 2006. This appointment will be looking to cement the programme as the number one talent show in the UK, as new-comers ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, Grease is the Word and the BBC’s When Will I Be Famous attempt to steal its crown.

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