[James]

Brian Dowling could be the new presenter of Xtra Factor.

Has Big Brother Brian got the Xtra Factor?

By Melanie Finn

Wednesday March 30 2011

Brian Dowling has tried out for the job fronting ITV2's the Xtra Factor, the Herald can reveal.

In what could be a massive stepping stone in his showbiz career, the Kildare native has met producers of the spin-off show as they cast their net far and wide in a bid to replace Konnie Huq, right.

Now ambitious Brian (32), who returned to our small screens this week after joining Katherine Lynch on RTE's Wagon's Den, is the latest personality to throw his hat into the ring.

"This could be a huge career opportunity for Brian and he's determined to go for it 100pc," said an RTE insider.

"It's still early days and they're keeping a very open mind when it comes to Konnie's replacement. But Brian could definitely be in with a shot. He's very well known in Britain, thanks to his time on Big Brother and his profile was boosted even more when he won the last-ever show. This is the job that everyone wants right now but he's very likeable and has a lot of TV experience. The fact that he's also Irish will stand to him a lot."

Brian's many fans obviously agree too -- they have set up a Facebook page campaigning for X Factor bosses to give him the job. But he's not the only Irish star who has been linked with the job, with Xpose beauty Glenda Gilson also rumoured to have been considered. Citing it as her "dream job", the fact that she's good pals with X Factor judge Louis Walsh would also be an added boost. "It'd be fantastic. I just keep dreaming and praying. That is my dream job because I love the X Factor and I spend so much time over there with Louis. To be working on it would just be a dream," she said.

The scramble for one of the best jobs in showbiz began in earnest earlier this month after it was confirmed that former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq (35) would not be coming back to the series.

Konnie took over from previous presenter Holly Willoughby last year.

mfinn@herald.ie

- Melanie Finn

http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/a...r-2600568.html

[Lee.]

He'd be excellent!

[GypsyGoth]

Has he ever presented anything?

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by GypsyGoth

Has he ever presented anything?

Yeah, a few things I think. Successful - NOT

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by GypsyGoth

Has he ever presented anything?

SMTV and The Mint are two things I remember.

He'd be quite good - he's a nice, chatty, funny bloke with confidence.

[Niamh.]

Oh please please please let him get it!!!! I miss having him on my telly!!! I think he'd be fantastic actually.

-goes to find and join that FB campaign-

Edit : http://www.facebook.com/search.php?q...55685887793015

[Tom.]

He's one of the worst presenters on TV and is far too smug. If they're going to hire him then can we not just keep Konnie?

I want Christine...

[Petershaw1984]

I'd Like him to get the job but I doubt he will.
I think the job is going to jeff brazier or Simon amstell

[KG.]

I've always said he'd be a good replacement for Holly so I hope this is true.

He also filled in on Live From Studio Five a couple of times, not the greatest of shows I know but he does have quite a bit of live presenting experience.

[dizzy bint]

Originally Posted by GypsyGoth

Has he ever presented anything?

He has presented loads of shows, the most well known being SM:tv Live, Brian's Boyfriends, I'm Famous and Frightened, The Mint and Cirque de Celebrity. He's also well known as a narrator, he narrated the second series of The Salon on C4 for 6 months and several other shows. Most people will have heard him voice over the Closer advert, which he's been doing now for over 2 years.

Brian has also presented big live events including O2 and Party in the Park and big awards shows like The Variety Club Awards, The Silver Clef Awards and the Elle Style Awards.

Brian is well qualified to do the job, I hope he really is being considered for it. However, he's also apparently in the frame for the BB job so not sure how things will pan out.

[Marsh.]

"His many fans" have taken to Facebook? I doubt 35 likes on a Facebook page will sway the producers either way, lol.