[Arneldo]

Dermot Departs Big Brother's Little Brother...

Yes it's sad but true - we can now officially report that following seven very successful years at the helm of E4's Big Brother's Little Brother Dermot O'Leary has taken the decision not to return for the summer series in 2008.

But fear not Dermot fans - he'll still be fronting E4's Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack in January 2008 which will see celebrities taking on the Big Brother mantle, and provide their own unique spin as they interact with the housemates and work side by side with Big Brother.

Dermot said: "It is with great regret that my time on Big Brother will come to an end after Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack. For the last seven years I've had the time of my life working on Big Brother's Little Brother, from our broom cupboard days to the all singing and literally all dancing show we make now.

But this summer's work commitment of BBLB and The X Factor has proven to me that to do both shows is impractical if not impossible. I want to thank Channel 4 and the Big Brother family for all their support and for the opportunity to present a live show that I love with all my heart."

Head of E4 and Big Brother Commissioning Editor Angela Jain said: "BBLB has been Dermot's little baby from the start. He was our first choice and the best choice. We will miss him and all the laughter and professionalism he has brought with him. I'm delighted we can hold on to him a little longer because he has chosen to host Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack as his Big Brother swansong."

We can also confirm that Davina McCall will return to front Big Brother on C4 in the summer.

From C4

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