'It will be a challege'

Dermot opens up about the new series of the X Factor...

09:17 16 August 2011

X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary has spoken about the challenge the show faces without Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole.

The musical talent show has hired Take ThatÂ’s Gary Barlow, DestinyÂ’s Child star Kelly Rowland and N Dubz singer Tulisa to join Louis Walsh on the judging table, something that O'Leary finds a challenge.

O'Leary, who also presents a show on BBC Radio Two, told the Radio Times:

"When a new series of The X Factor starts, I inhale deeply. It's a relentless schedule - it's not coal mining, but it's definitely challenging.

"And this year the pressure is on. It's very important to me that we prove we can do it without Simon! I was worried about losing him, the nation's sweetheart Cheryl, and Dannii, and I miss my friends, but the new guys are brilliant.

"I'm probably for the chopping block next, but as long as they want me, I'll keep on doing it."

It has also been revealed that the judges have sensationally axed a number of contestants as they arrived for the Boot Camp stage of the competition, believing that they were not up to scratch.

According to Digital Spy, Gary Barlow told the hopefuls:

"We don't believe everyone standing in front of us has the potential to make it all the way in this competition. Some of you are going home now."

Fellow judge Kelly Rowland added:

"While you were partying last night, we were looking at your audition tapes. We only want to work with the people who can go all the way."

The X Factor will return to ITV1 on Saturday 20 August at 8pm.