Dermot O’Leary has been confirmed as the host of the upcoming 13th series of X Factor, after much speculation.
Dermot had previously hosted the show for eight series, during which time the show discovered acts like One Direction, Little Mix and Ella Henderson, who all went on to have worldwide success.
O’Leary, who moved on to present Children in Need in Terry Wogan’s absence last year and new BBC show The Getaway Car, was replaced by previous Xtra Factor hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs for the shows 12th series, both of whom lasted only one series before Dermot was asked back, after a string of technical difficulties and embarrassing blunders at the live shows left some viewers criticising their hosting abilities. Though Simon Cowell later spoke out in defence of TV presenter Caroline and X Factor alumni Olly, it is rumoured that the producers later gave the pair the chance to quit the show before they were fired, the same deal it was rumoured they had given to O’Leary just one year previously.
Dermot’s return to the job marks his 9th non-consecutive year as host.
We're thrilled to announce that @radioleary returns as host of The X Factor alongside the return of room auditions! https://t.co/SJxc54EVVo
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) March 28, 2016
In the same Tweet that the official X Factor Twitter announced O’Leary’s triumphant return, they also confirmed the return of the room auditions, replacing the arena auditions that made their own return last year.
Basically, it seems like every major change the show made last year is being reverted! Especially with rumours that Louis Walsh could return to the seat he held for 11 years at the end of the panel, which was recently vacated by last years new arrival Nick Grimshaw. Grimshaw, along with fellow panellist and friend Rita Ora, were also subject to criticism, and whilst Grimshaw has already confirmed he will not return, it is not yet clear whether Rita will follow him or not.
Confirming Dermot O’Leary as host means all eyes turn now to the panel; with Louis Tomlinson, who was long expected to join the panel once One Direction went on hiatus, rumoured to have now sensationally turned the job down, his bandmate Liam Payne is the newest name supposedly being courted to fill Grimshaw’s vacant seat, which could possibly see him sharing a panel with his current girlfriend Cheryl.
What do you think about Dermot returning to the X Factor? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix, or in the comments below!