O’Leary casts doubt on ‘X Factor’ future

Dermot O’Leary has cast doubt on his X Factor future saying that he might not return as host this year.

The ex-Big Brother’s Little Brother presenter took over in 2007, after Kate Thornton was axed by Simon Cowell.

But O’Leary, 41, said that he could be tempted by a new challenge.

Asked whether he had signed up for the next series, he told Radio Times: “Not yet. Usually we talk in about mid-February.

“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.”

O’Leary blamed the X Factor’s falling viewing figures on the length of the ITV show, last year won by Ben Haenow.

“It’s a very long show, and to ask people to watch two-and- a-half hours is never easy.”