Excellent news for The X Factor fans – Dermot O’Leary is set to return to the show after Simon Cowell convinced him to sign on the dotted line last week.
The television presenter left the TV talent contest after eight years as host and was replaced last year by Caroline Flack and Olly Murs, who previously fronted The Xtra Factor.
But they weren’t too popular with viewers and both announced they would not be returning to the programme.
Dermot has signed a new contract to return to the next series in a deal believed to be worth £1.5 million, according to the Daily Mirror.
He said: “I’m very flattered to be asked back to The X Factor, and am currently dusting off my dancing shoes.
“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 really looking forward to it, and excited to be back.”
Simon added: “Dermot’s back! Hooray! And so is his dancing. Welcome home Dermot.”
Dermot was apparently touched by messages he received from fans telling him they missed him on the show.
He jetted out to Los Angeles for talks with Simon before agreeing his new deal.
A source said: “Simon made it clear he missed Dermot like the fans, it makes sense for everyone for him to return and the show is now in safe hands.
“Dermot makes the live shows look easy.”
And the star may even have a say in the format of the show for the upcoming series as he would like to see the programme go back to its roots.
He previously said: “If I was Simon I’d probably take it off air for a year. I’d rest it, and then I’d get back to the rooms.
“The room auditions are great. For me it was always room, arena, boot camp.
“Also I was really uncomfortable about the Six-Chair Challenge. I don’t think it’s a particularly nice bit of television.”
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