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Dermot O'Leary is the new host of The X Factor.

The Big Brother's Little Brother presenter will front the hit show for the next two series, after Kate Thornton and judge Louis Walsh were axed.

O'Leary, 33, said: "I was very flattered to be offered the job to host such a hugely successful show."

The presenter, reported to have landed a £1 million X Factor contract, said: "I'm really looking forward to working with Simon and the team on the kind of Saturday night entertainment show I grew up watching."

ITV's Controller of Entertainment Duncan Gray said: "Dermot is a star.

"He's warm, clever and funny and he was our number one choice for the job.

"We're thrilled to have him on ITV and we're sure he'll keep The X Factor the nation's number one entertainment show for many years to come."

The fourth series, which will feature four judges, kicks-off on ITV1 in the summer. Leona Lewis, winner of last year's series, scored a number one with her single A Moment Like This.

O'Leary will continue to host Channel 4 show Big Brother's Little Brother in the summer.