Dermot quits Little Brother

Updated 13.08 Wed Nov 28 2007

Keywords: X Factor, Little Brother, Big Brother, Dermot O'Leary

Dermot O'Leary has announced his plans to quit as the host of Big Brother's Little Brother.

The 34-year-old, who was revealed as the new presenter of The X Factor in March, fronted the programme for seven years but said it was "impractical" for him to work on both shows next year.

"For the last seven years I've had the time of my life working on Big Brother's Little Brother" - Dermot O'Leary

He said: "For the last seven years I've had the time of my life working on Big Brother's Little Brother, from our broom cupboard days to the all-singing and literally all-dancing show we make now."

Angela Jain, Big Brother commissioning editor, said BBLB was "Dermot's little baby from the start".

She added: "He was our first choice and the best choice. We will miss him and all the laughter and professionalism he has brought with him."

The 34-year-old will present Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack in January, a show which puts stars in control of a group of housemates.