Dermot O'Leary is set to return as host of The X Factor, one year after leaving the ITV talent show. The presenter, known for his energetic dance routines, expressed excitement about returning to the programme.
Simon Cowell, the show's creator, welcomed O'Leary back, stating: 'Dermot's back, hooray! And so is his dancing! Welcome home, Dermot.' O'Leary had been a mainstay for eight years before departing in 2015, citing a desire to move on.
O'Leary 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.' His return follows a challenging year for the show under hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, who faced falling ratings and technical mishaps.
The 2016 series will also see the return of room auditions, where contestants perform in an intimate setting before the judges. If they impress three or more judges, they advance to the next stage.
Thames TV managing director Richard Holloway praised O'Leary as 'a much-loved part of The X Factor and one of the best presenters in the business.' ITV director of television Kevin Lygo added that the network looks forward to welcoming O'Leary back this autumn.
