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Dermot O'Leary lined up for X Factor return

caroline flack
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
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Dermot O' Leary looks set for a return to The X Factor. Bosses are reportedly lining up the popular presenter to make a comeback for this year's series, following the departure of Olly Murs and Caroline Flack."We want the show to be bigger and better than last year and one thing that people really missed was Dermot," a show insider told the Mirror. "He is as much part of The X Factor as Simon Cowell for most people so it makes sense to approach him about returning.

dermot © Photo: Getty Images

Dermot O'Leary has reportedly been asked to return to The X Factor

"Dermot is thinking things through and a big money deal will be offered to try and tempt him back. "The 42-year-old star, who hosted the show for eight years, proved to be hugely popular with its fans, and it's thought that Simon in particular is desperate to have him back.He will no doubt need time to weigh up his options though, particularly because of the success of his new BBC Saturday night show Getaway Car.Some weeks back, a source confirmed to the Sun that TV bosses wanted Dermot to return. "There has been a quiet approach via his management company. He's got more offers than he has ever had in his career at the moment, but he isn't on an exclusive contract with the BBC and would definitely love to work with ITV… For him the decision will probably come down to balance."

caroline flack

Caroline Flack and Olly Murs both stepped down as presenters this week

Speculation about Dermot's return comes just a few days after Caroline confirmed she was stepping down from her presenting role. "I've had a brilliant time working on The X Factor over the last few years, and hosting the show was just fantastic, I made some amazing friends," the 36-year-old said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to carrying on working with the team over at ITV."Her exit came after co-host Olly also revealed his departure. In an interview with the Sun, the 31-year-old said: "This was an incredibly hard decision to make and one I didn't take lightly as I've really enjoyed co-hosting The X Factor."It's been one big adventure and I loved every minute of it. But my heart belongs to music and I want to concentrate 100 per cent on making my next album and getting back to performing."