X Factor: Dermot O'Leary confirms he is "dusting off his dancing shoes" and returning as host

Dermot O'Leary has said that he is "really looking forward" to returning to The X Factor as its host - just one year after quitting the show. 

The presenter left the series after "eight wonderful years" at the helm in 2015, saying it was "time...to move on". 

"I'm very flattered to be asked back to The X Factor," O'Leary said in a statement today (March 29), "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."

X Factor boss Simon Cowell tweeted his delight at the news posting: "Dermot's back, hooray! And so is his dancing! Welcome home, Dermot."

O'Leary takes over from Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, who co-hosted the show for one year after previously presenting sister show, The Xtra Factor.

And that's not all: The X Factor has also confirmed the the room auditions will be making a comeback for the 2016 series, meaning we can expect plenty of brilliantly awkward moments this year. 

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