Dermot to host the X Factor

Big Brother presenter Dermot O'Leary has been chosen to host the new series of the X Factor.

He has signed a deal that will see him present the hit entertainment show for the next two series, replacing Kate Thornton.

Dermot said: "I was very flattered to be offered the job to host such a hugely successful show. I'm really looking forward to working with Simon and the team on the kind of Saturday night entertainment show I grew up watching."

Dermot and the rest of the X Factor team will start touring the country in May auditioning the thousands of hopefuls bidding to be the stars of the fourth series which hits screens in the summer.

And in a new twist, it will feature four categories instead of three with contestants being split into 14 - 24s Boys; 14 - 24s Girls; 25s and Overs and Groups.

Duncan Gray, ITV's Controller of Entertainment said: "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 and we're sure he'll keep The X Factor the nation's number one entertainment show for many years to come."

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