EntertainmentDermot O'Leary x factorThe X-Factor

‘X Factor': Dermot O'Leary ‘Set To Return To Host Show' One Year After Being Replaced By Caroline Flack And Olly Murs

Dermot Told To 'Name His Price' To Return To 'The X Factor'
Matt Bagwell
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Dermot O’Leary is reportedly set to return to host ‘The X Factor’, one year after he was axed and replaced by Caroline Flack and Olly Murs.

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The 42-year-old star has been told to ‘name his price’ by show bosses who are desperate to win back viewers after last year’s series flopped.

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Dermot O'Leary

Axing Dermot was one of many changes introduced in a bid to revamp the singing competition, which has been on our screens for twelve years.

But Caroline and Olly struggled to cope with the pressures of presenting the live shows and after a series of on-air mishaps, the pair won’t be returning for the thirteenth series.

Now Dermot - who was earning £1million a series - is set to rake in the cash after being asked back by Simon Cowell.

An insider told The Sun: “Dermot will come back to The X Factor. Talks are under way on his deal but everything is positive.

“Everyone, including Dermot and Simon, has the will to make it work.”

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Caroline Flack and Olly Murs

It is expected that Dermot will sign a deal to present the ITV show for another three years.

The source added: “Producers have realised you can’t take any risks with the presenter of the show.

“You need someone really good who can cope with live TV.”

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'X Factor' boss Simon Cowell has reportedly told Dermot to 'name his price'

Since leaving the ‘X Factor’ last year, Dermot has been outspoken about the show, suggesting Simon Cowell should ‘rest’ it for a year and ditch the six-chair challenge.

And at this year’s NTAs he also appeared to have a dig at his former employer, referring to ‘X Factor’ rival ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ as his “new favourite show”.

Simon Cowell responded to the comments, stating: “He’d be fantastic on 'Strictly'. I couldn’t care less if he goes on it.”

Speaking about Dermot’s rumoured return, an ‘X Factor’ spokesman said: “Discussions are ongoing about the new series. Details will be announced in due course.”

13 Ways To Save 'The X Factor'
Bring back one of the classic judging line-ups(01 of11)
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We never thought we’d say this, but we miss Louis Walsh. And Dannii Minogue is available after announcing she’s quit her role as a judge on the Australian ‘X Factor’. Coincidence? We’re crossing everything she’ll be joining Louis, Simon and Cheryl on this year’s panel. (credit:ITV)
Speaking of Cheryl…(02 of11)
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We miss the Cheryl of old. You know, when she was a lot more loose-lipped and fancy free? It’s all felt very controlled of late and there’s nothing more entertaining than seeing Chezza really speaking her mind (just ask Wagner). (credit:KGC-143/STAR MAX/IPx)
Get rid of the 6-chair challenge(03 of11)
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Seriously. It’s cruel and uncomfortable to watch. Plus we’re not stupid. Those judges already know who they want and we’re not buying any of that teary-eyed, head-in-hands acting up from them either. (credit:ITV)
Keep bootcamp at the country house(04 of11)
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This was one new element introduced this year that actually worked, primarily because we got to see what the contestants were really like when put under pressure. Or there was a free bar. Yep, it got ugly, but it made for great telly. (credit:ITV)
Ditch the oh-so-predictable, over-the-top attempts at getting us to tear up(05 of11)
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Look if we want to cry, we’ll cry. Don’t enforce it on us. It might have worked 10 years ago, but we’re older and wiser these days. So NO MORE EMELI BLOODY SANDÉ. Got it? Good. (credit:ITV)
Same goes for enforced fun(06 of11)
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Isn’t it amazing how often the wannabes are caught on camera having a right old laugh with the people they’ve brought along to their audition? Well, only after they’ve heard the word ‘action’. Enough already with the fake guffawing. (credit:ITV)
But we do want more FUN(07 of11)
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The ‘X Factor’ takes itself waaaaaaay too seriously. It just all feels so contrived and hemmed in. Simon Cowell’s other TV juggernaut, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ is still one of the biggest shows on TV, and a lot of that is down to the fact that it’s good fun to watch. Likewise, ‘X Factor’ needs to loosen its belt and lets its hair down. (credit:ITV)
Presenters that can cope with a live show(08 of11)
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As much as we love Caroline and Olly, they didn’t make for the most comfortable of viewing experiences last year. We need a safe pair of hands, but other than Dermot O’Leary returning (a distinct possibility), we’re not sure who could take the reins. What we do know is that we don’t want Rochelle Humes or Stephen Mulhern fronting things. Zzzzzzzzzz. (credit:ITV)
Make each show shorter(09 of11)
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Expecting us to invest over two hours of our Saturday and Sunday nights watching the same old, seen-it-all-before wannabes paraded in front of us could test the patience of the Pope. But, a shorter show (1 hour 20mins max, Saturday only) combined with all of the above might just have us all smiling at the telly again, instead of wanting to put our foot through it. (credit:ITV)
Bring back proper themes to the live shows(10 of11)
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Themes like ‘This Is Me’ and ‘Songs To Get Me To The Final’ are uninspired and means the contestants can sing, well, any song ever written, which rather defeats the aim of having themes in the first place. Bring back ‘Big Band Week’, ‘Disco Week’ and yes, ‘ABBA’ week too. (credit:ITV)
Get Simon Cowell a stylist (or sack the one he has)(11 of11)
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Is wanting to see him in anything but a white shirt (un-buttoned to his navel) and black, flarey trousers really too much to ask? (credit:ITV)

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