Dermot O'Leary to return as The X Factor host

Dermot O'Leary is returning to host The X Factor a year after leaving the ITV talent series.

The 42-year-old broadcaster left the show after eight years in 2015, saying it was "time for me to move on".

But now the star is returning and said he is "excited to be back" as presenter.

O'Leary was much-loved for his dance routines on the hit show, something X Factor boss Simon Cowell made a point of noting as he welcomed him back, saying: "Dermot's back, hooray! And so is his dancing! Welcome home, Dermot."

O'Leary said: "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."

Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, one-time presenters of X Factor's sister show The Xtra Factor, stepped into O'Leary's shoes in 2015.

Another feature making a comeback for 2016 is the room auditions, with wannabe pop stars finding themselves face to face with 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.

The X Factor will return to ITV later this year alongside The Xtra Factor on ITV2.