Dermot O'Leary is the new host of The X Factor, it was announced today.

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

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