[Arneldo]

X FACTOR bosses have approached top showbiz agents — in a bid to replace host Kate Thornton.

They have compiled a list to potentially take over from Kate, 33, in the next series.

They include Fearne Cotton and Big Brother’s Little Brother’s Dermot O’Leary. Last night, a source said: “Kate is a lovely girl but the feeling is they want to send the fourth series show into the stratosphere.

“It’s one of Britain’s top rated shows and bosses are constantly looking for ways to revamp the format.

“Replacing Kate is one of the options for the next series.”

X Factor currently pulls in around ten million viewers.

They have also followed smash US hit American Idol by introducing celebrity performers, including Lionel Richie and Rod Stewart.

Crooner Tony Bennett joins the bill on Saturday night. Last night, an X Factor spokeswoman said: “Kate is a fantastic presenter and we’re in the middle of an incredibly successful third series.

“Her talent in running a major live studio show is unprecedented and we look forward to continuing to work with her.”

Dermot O’Leary’s agent, meanwhile, was staying tight-lipped.

The Sun