He quit the X Factor last year after eight years as presenter. But now, as producers face dwindling viewing figures and recover from last year's gaffe-filled series, TV personality Dermot O'Leary is gearing up for his much-anticipated return this autumn. The 42-year-old broadcaster, who is known for his fancy footwork and dancing routines, has confirmed his return, saying: '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. The show is naturally very close to my heart, after having hosted it for eight years. 'I'm really looking forward to it, and excited to be back.' And show boss Simon Cowell was just as delighted to have him back, as he said: 'Dermot's back, hooray! And so is his dancing! Welcome home, Dermot.' Dermot, who had been a mainstay of Simon's show, departed in 2015 saying it was 'time for me to move on'. Since then he has hosted the BBC One series The Getaway Car, which has received decidedly mixed reviews - which may have prompted his change of heart for the talent competition. Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, one-time presenters of X Factor's sister show The Xtra Factor, attempted to step into O'Leary's shoes in 2015. But their tenure was marked by falling audience figures - with BBC rival Strictly Come Dancing frequently triumphing in the ratings - and a number of gaffes. During the live final won by teenager Louisa Johnson, technical issues left the duo exposed on stage, and earlier in the live shows run, chart-topping singer Murs prematurely announced the exit of contestant Monica Michael. Kiss Me hit-maker Olly sensationally quit the show in February after co-host Caroline was reportedly axed. The judging panel for the upcoming series remains a mystery, with rumours circulating that Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh may make a return. Sharon re-entered the fray last week after Radio Times reported that she had repaired her tumultuous relationship with Simon Cowell. A source told the magazine: 'Simon and Sharon have always had a bit of a love-hate relationship. Her doing that maybe suggests they're building bridges.' That follows Louis Walsh's recent public comments that he would return to the show if his dream line-up - consisting of former judges Sharon and Nicole Scherzinger - also returned. Another favourite making a comeback for 2016 is the room auditions. Wannabe pop stars will find themselves face to face in front of the judges in an intimate setting. If they impress three or more of the judges, they will move on to the next stage of the competition. Thames TV managing director and interim FremantleMedia UK CEO Richard Holloway said: 'Dermot is a much-loved part of The X Factor and one of the best presenters in the business. 'We're thrilled he's back on board for our new series.' ITV Director of Television Kevin Lygo said: 'ITV has an enviable raft of entertainment formats, and a fantastic range of talented presenters. 'The X Factor, and Dermot, are an important part of the ITV family, and we're really looking forward to welcoming them back to our screens this autumn.'

• published: 29 Mar 2016
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