Dermot O’Leary’s reign on The X Factor is set to continue. Today it was announced that the 38-year-old TV presenter will front the next series of the show, due to return to our screens on ITV1 later this summer. 

O’Leary will be on hand in Liverpool from next Wednesday 23 May to guide contestants through the audition stages, before offering encouragement (or a shoulder to cry on) as they progress through boot camp, judges’ houses and on to the nerve-wracking live shows.

“I’m delighted to be returning to The X Factor as I just love the gig,” said O’Leary, who replaced Kate Thornton as the show's presenter in 2007. “I hope The X Factor 2012 continues to bring a sense of fun to Saturday and Sunday nights and gives the nation a show that they can laugh, cry and sometimes scream at!”

The programme’s creator and former-judge Simon Cowell added: “Dermot has done a brilliant job for the past five years – he is Mr X Factor!”

Dermot will join returning judges Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos on the panel, but with the announcement that Kelly Rowland will not be returning, there is still one spot up for grabs. Names who have been rumoured for the role have so far included former X Factor Judge Dannii Minogue and singer Lily Allen.