[Arneldo]

BEN Shephard has quit the X Factor, TV Biz can exclusively reveal.

The hunk — who fronted ITV2 spin-off the Xtra Factor — is said to have been upset Dermot O’Leary was picked to replace axed Kate Thornton on the main show over him.

The GMTV presenter, 32, will now host new BBC1 Saturday night show Dance X — the hunt for a new version of 1970s dance troupe Hot Gossip.

Last night an X Factor insider said: “Ben was not that happy when Dermot got the job. He thought he should get a shot.”

Producer and judge Simon Cowell was a keen supporter of Ben — who has fronted the Xtra Factor for the last three series.

Kate and show judge Louis Walsh were sacked from the ITV1 talent show in March. Dannii Minogue will be a new judge, while show chiefs are still hunting for a fourth.

A source close to Ben denied that he quit in anger about Dermot, saying: “That’s not the case at all.

“Ben’s been friends with Dermot for years — they did T4 together.”

Ben’s spokesman said: “He wishes the X Factor’s entire production nothing but the best.”

An X Factor spokeswoman said: “Ben has done a terrific job.”

The Sun