Dermot's Back!

Dermot O’Leary returns to The X Factor.

16:16 30 March 2016

A year after leaving ITV talent show The X Factor, Dermot O’Leary has confirmed that he is returning to the show as its presenter.

 

He said that he is “really looking forward” to going back “home” and that he was “very flattered to be asked back” and “currently dusting off my dancing shoes.”

 

The programme's boss Simon Cowell said: "Dermot's back, hooray! And so is his dancing! Welcome home, Dermot."

 

O’Leary left the show after hosting it for eight years and was replaced by Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, who have announced they were leaving the show in February just after one series.

 

O’Leary said: "There is nothing more exciting than hosting live TV on a Saturday night. The show is naturally very close to my heart, after having hosted it for eight years.

 

"I'm excited to be back."

 

Thames TV boss Richard Holloway described O'Leary as "a much-loved part of The X Factor and one of the best presenters in the business", while ITV director of TV Kevin Lygo said he was "an important part of the ITV family".