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Dermot O’Leary reveals the X Factor ‘definitely won’t be back next year’ as he hints at 2022 return

The presenter last appeared on X Factor: Celebrity back in 2019

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Dermot O’Leary has revealed the X Factor ‘definitely won’t be back next year’ after taking a year out.

The 47-year-old presenter, who joined the ITV reality series in 2007, last appeared on the X Factor: Celebrity in 2019.

But after head judge and producer Simon Cowell decided to give the show a rest for a year, it was further postponed due to COVID.

Presenter Dermot O’Leary has revealed the X Factor may return in 2022 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

X Factor: What did Dermot O’Leary say?

During an appearance on Sunday Brunch yesterday (December 6), Dermot revealed viewers could be waiting for some time before the show is officially back.

The presenter said: “If I knew, I’d tell you, because I’d be happy. I’ve no idea!”

He added: “It’s got the turning circle of a car ferry. There’s a lot of planning that goes into it.

“It definitely won’t be next year, so it will probably be back in 2022.”

The X Factor host admitted the show won’t be back next year (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Read more: This Morning: Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary on Fridays

Dermot, who was briefly replaced by Caroline Flack and Olly Murs for one year, also spoke about co-star Simon.

The music mogul, 61, is currently recovering from a broken back after falling off an electric motorbike in August.

Speaking about his injury, Dermot explained: “We’ve been in touch, he’s getting better slowly but surely but he came off that electric bike. It’s very like him though to get on an electric bike, and the fastest electrical bike in the world, without reading a manual.

“Thinking ‘Oh well this will be fine, I’ve conquered that so I can conquer this’ – no you can’t!”

The X Factor: Celebrity aired in 2019 (Credit: ITV)

What else has Dermot been up to?

Dermot has plenty to keep him occupied after he was recently announced as a new host on This Morning.

The TV star will be joined alongside Alison Hammond on the sofa on Fridays.

The pair have taken over from married couple Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, who joined the show in 2006.

However, the move hasn’t gone down well with everyone.

Dermot and Simon have worked together for years (Credit: SplashNews.com)

After receiving online abuse, reports claim that Alison, 45, is having ‘duty of care’ meetings with ITV.

A source told The Sun: “She was given advice on how to stay strong mentally and prepared for what to expect after the announcement.”

Meanwhile, Gloria Hunniford recently revealed Ruth and Eamonn are “struggling to understand” the decision.

Read more: This Morning: Eamonn Holmes responds to cryptic message about ‘cruel’ TV business after axe

Speaking to the Mirror, the 80-year-old said: “That one was very hard to understand – I don’t fully understand the reasons behind it.

“I’ve talked to Eamonn since, and he’s clearly disappointed. I think they find it very difficult to understand why the change.

“There are a lot of lovely new young presenters coming in, which is good. They’re trying to cater for every age group.”

Hips Don't Lie for X Factor UK Host Dermot O'Leary | X Factor Global

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Nancy Brown
Associate Editor