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The X Factor Dermot O'leary

Dermot O’Leary reprises X-Factor role amidst ratings slump

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By John Glenday, Reporter

March 29, 2016 | 1 min read

ITV has persuaded former X-Factor host Dermot O’Leary to return to the hot seat as a judge this autumn as it seeks to stem a flight of viewers from the televised talent contest.

O’Leary’s return comes just one year after he left the show to be replaced by Olly Murs and Caroline Flack but many missed his easy going charm and trademark dancing moves.

This was graphically illustrated by a precipitous fall in viewers with 1m fewer people tuning in to watch the opening episode of the 2015 run of X Factor compared with 2014.

O’Leary said: “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 excited to be back."

In a bid to rekindle some of the show’s lost magic producers will also bring back room auditions in which crooning hopefuls have a chance to impress the judges in a more intimate setting before progressing to the main stage.

The X Factor Dermot O'leary

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