Dermot has the X-Factor
Dermot will be the face of the X Factor
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Friday, 30, Mar 2007 04:29
Dermot O'Leary is to be the new face of X Factor, replacing Kate Thornton on the hit show.
The presenter, who also fronts Channel 4's Big Brother's Little Brother and has been a familiar face on Sunday television, will begin the role when filming starts in the summer.
Dermot will work on the fourth series of the show with its familiar audition and vote format, which has proved a massive hit with British audiences and beyond since its syndication.
The brainchild of music mogul Simon Cowell, X Factor routinely churns out number one hits - although it has been criticised for the lack of longevity of the stars it produces.
For his part Cowell claims to be bigger than Bruce Springsteen and has made a fortune from the show and its hybrid American Idol across the Atlantic.
O'Leary's deal will see him take charge of presenting duties for the next two years, with the 33-year-old expressing his pleasure at the news.
"I was very flattered to be offered the job to host such a hugely successful show," he said.
"I'm really looking forward to working with Simon and the team on the kind of Saturday night entertainment show I grew up watching."
Hopefuls for the new show will begin auditions in May and will take part in four categories for the ultimate prize of being the X Factor winner: males aged between 14 and 24; females in the same age bracket; anyone aged 25 and over; and groups.
There is one post remaining on the show, however, with speculation continuing to mount over who will replace judge Louis Walsh.
American Idol's Randy Jackson is said to be making the transition but it is thought another as-yet-unnamed judge will also take part.