X Factor: Olly Murs and Caroline Flack confirmed replace to Dermot O'Leary

The pair previously hosted ITV2's 'The Extra Factor' for two years

Olly Murs with co-presenter Caroline Flack on ITV2's 'The Xtra Factor' (Rex Features)

Olly Murs and Caroline Flack are to present The X Factor following Dermot O'Leary's departure after eight years, the show's supremo Simon Cowell has confirmed.

The pair previously co-hosted ITV2 spin-off show The Xtra Factor for two years.

Cowell said: “I am absolutely delighted Caroline and Olly are both returning to The X Factor. When they were on Xtra together, they were a brilliant double act. Since then, Caroline's gone from strength to strength - and Olly has become one of Britain's biggest stars. So now I'm looking forward to them fronting the main show.”

Murs, whose chart career was launched after he was runner-up on the 2009 series, said he was “proud” to be coming back to the ITV show.

He said: “I love the show and it kick-started my career in music which has given me the opportunity to do what I love. I already have the best job in the world and it's about to get better - I can't wait to get started and be part of finding some amazing new talent.”

Flack, who won last year's Strictly Come Dancing, said she was “beyond excited” about the news.

She said: “I'm also incredibly lucky to have the best tips and support from my showbiz big brother Dermot. I'm not sure how I can live up to his long-term residency but I know I can't let him down.”

PA