X Factor: Dermot O'Leary 'dusting off dancing shoes' to return as show's host

The presenter will return to the ITV talent series a year after quitting

(ITV)

In a surprising move, Dermot O'Leary is returning as presenter of The X Factor just one year after leaving the series.

The British TV personality - who has been offered a deal worth a reported £1.5million - joined the show in 2007 before deciding to leave in 2014.

"I'm very flattered to be asked back to The X Factor, and am currently dusting off my dancing shoes," O'Leary said in a statement.

He continued: "There is nothing more exciting than hosting live TV on a Saturday night. The show is naturally very close to my heart, after having hosted it for eight years. I'm excited to be back."

We're sure executive producer and chief judge Simon Cowell is hoping O'Leary's return will repair fallen ratings after the series hit an all-time low in 2015.

Series 12 saw Radio1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and singer Rita Ora replace Louis Walsh and Mel B on the judging panel.

The music mogul commented: "Dermot's back, hooray! And so is his dancing! Welcome home, Dermot."

O'Leary quit the role last year after "eight wonderful years," and was replaced by former Xtra Factor hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack. The duo announced they were leaving the series back in February.

The news comes after O'Leary advised Cowell to give the show a year's hiatus in an attempt to repair fallen viewer ratings.

The X Factor will return for an eleventh series this autumn.