Dermot O’Leary quits ‘X-Factor’ UK as host

Dermot O’Leary tweeted:

Good afternoon. After eight wonderful years on @TheXFactor it’s time for me to move on.

— Dermot O’Leary (@radioleary) March 27, 2015

I’d like to wish the team all the best for the future, especially whoever takes over from me.

— Dermot O’Leary (@radioleary) March 27, 2015

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A rep for “The X-Factor” said, “We’d like to thank Dermot for eight brilliant years at the helm of The X Factor. He has been a fantastic host, masterfully keeping the show on the road, supporting the contestants throughout the competition and keeping the judges in check. We will miss him and his dance moves and wish him all the best for the future.”

O’Leary’s departure fuels rumour that he is eyed to replace “Top Gear” host Jeremy Clarkson who was fired by BBC after a “fracas” with a producer. There are no words on who will replace O’Leary on “The X-Factor”.

The show’s rep said, “An announcement on the host for the new (season) will be made in due course.”