The X Factor host Dermot O’Leary is leaving the hit ITV talent show after eight years, with former runner-up Olly Murs among those tipped to take over.
O’Leary, who also presents a show on Radio 2, made the surprise announcement, sparking speculation about why he was leaving and whether he might be in the frame to replace Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear.
Bookmakers Ladbrokes had made O’Leary one of the favourites to join the BBC2 show following Clarkson’s departure.
O’Leary said: “After eight wonderful years on The X Factor it’s time for me to move on. I’d like to thank ITV, Simon [Cowell], The X Factor family and particularly the viewers, all of whom have been a big part of my life for so long.
“I’d like to wish the team all the best for the future, especially whoever takes over from me. You’re about to be the conductor on the most brilliant, runaway train in showbiz. Good luck you’ll love it!”
You're about to be the conductor on the most brilliant, runaway train in showbiz. Good luck you'll love it.
— Dermot O'Leary (@radioleary) March 27, 2015
It is believed that X Factor supremo Cowell has been speaking to other people about taking over the presenting role, including Murs.
The Voice host Emma Willis has been tipped as another contender, as has Laura Whitmore, who was made the favourite by bookmakers Paddy Power, followed by Caroline Flack and former X Factor contestant Rylan Clark.
O’Leary hinted earlier this year that he could move on after he said of his X Factor role: “Of course I love doing it, and it’s a huge part of my life, but it’s eight years now. I haven’t made up my mind yet. If a new challenge came up that meant I couldn’t do both, then …”
Following the announcement by O’Leary, there were suggestions that he could move to the BBC to join Top Gear.
With his Radio 2 work, he has become a star on the BBC as well as ITV, particularly after generating admiration on social media after completing a 24-hour danceathon for Comic Relief.
O’Leary rose to fame on Channel 4 via shows such as sports programmes No Balls Allowed and Inside Rugby, and on The Bigger Breakfast, before gaining a wider audience when he was chosen as a co-host of youth show T4 and then host of Big Brother’s Little Brother.
He replaced The X Factor’s original host, Kate Thornton, who presented the show from 2004 until 2007 when she was axed by Cowell.
The 12th series of X Factor is due to begin this year and Cowell is expected to refresh the show as usual.
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.”
