Dermot O’Leary has left his presenting role on The X Factor, saying it is “time for me to move on”.
The star, who has been a mainstay of the hit ITV talent show for eight years and also presents a show on Radio 2, thanked show supremo Simon Cowell.
He said: “After eight wonderful years on The X Factor it’s time for me to move on. I’d like to thank ITV, Simon, The X Factor family and particularly the viewers, all of whom have been a big part of my life for so long.”
He also tweeted good luck wishes to his successor on “the most brilliant, runaway train in showbiz”.
Earlier this week, bookmakers William Hill had Dermot as 6-1 to replace Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear with only fellow DJ Chris Evans and Jodie Kidd ahead of him in the betting.
He raised more than half a million pounds for Comic Relief this month by taking part in a 24-hour dance marathon.
Ladbrokes bookmakers have made singer Olly Murs the favourite to replace Dermot on The X Factor. He is ahead of American Idol host Ryan Seacrest and former JLS star Marvin Humes in the betting.
An ITV spokesman said: “Dermot’s been a fantastic host of The X Factor for the past eight series and we’re sorry to see him go. We wish him all the very best for the future and hope that he’ll be back on ITV screens soon.”
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