BBC target O'Leary to host 'The Voice'

BBC bosses are hoping to poach Dermot O'Leary from ITV to front 'The Voice'.

With the 38-year-old presenter currently hosting rival show 'The X Factor', BBC chief Danny Cohen is reportedly desperate to persuade him to switch channels by offering a "wide-ranging deal", which could even see him cover the London 2012 Olympics next year.

An insider said: "Danny is a big fan of Dermot's and knows he would be a great catch for the BBC. He wants to do some shiny floor stuff as well as factual programmes and we can offer that kind of wide-ranging deal."

After bagging 'The Voice' following a bidding war with ITV, BBC bosses are keen the talent show doesn't turn into a "clone" of 'The X Factor', despite axed judge Cheryl Cole also allegedly being offered a place on the panel.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: "We don't just want to hire people from 'The X Factor'. This is one of the hottest tickets in town for a star right now."

Meanwhile, Dermot - who lost out on the US 'X Factor' presenting gig to Welsh star Steve Jones - could "walk away" from the ITV1 show after this year's series, when his contract is up for renewal.

A friend explained: "Dermot's £1m-a-series deal for 'The X Factor' is negotiated every year, so he could walk away after this year's show."