EXCLUSIVE 'He chose to step down': X Factor bosses shoot down claims Dermot O'Leary was ousted... as Olly Murs and Caroline Flack enter talks to replace him
The team behind The X Factor have struck down reports that Dermot O'Leary was axed from the ITV talent show, insisting he chose to step down from his high-profile hosting gig.
Following a report by The Sun that the 41-year-old TV personality was pushed out by boss Simon Cowell, a show spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Dermot chose to step down and was not axed.'
MailOnline has also learned from a source close to the show that Olly Murs, 30, and Caroline Flack, 35, are currently 'in discussions' to replace Dermot, who served as host for eight years.
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Denied: Dermot O'Leary has struck down reports that he was ousted from his hosting gig on The X Factor
Talks: Olly Murs, left, and Caroline Flack, right, have entered talks to replace Dermot, MailOnline has learned
Caroline and Olly have a history with the brand, having hosted The Xtra Factor between 2011 and 2012.
Olly's connection to the show runs a little deeper, as he was also a singing hopeful in 2009.
However, an X Factor spokesperson told MailOnline: 'No decisions have been taken on who will replace Dermot as host of The X Factor. An announcement will be made in due course.'
the boss: Simon Cowell has been at the helm of the show since its inception over a decade ago
On Friday, Dermot posted a series of messages on Twitter news of his departure, writing: 'After eight wonderful years on The X Factor it's time for me to move on.
'I'd like to thank ITV, Simon, The X Factor family and particularly the viewers, all of whom have been a big part of my life for so long.
'I'd like to wish the team all the best for the future, especially whoever takes over from me. You're about to be the conductor on the most brilliant, runaway train in showbiz. Good luck you'll love it!'
Big news: Dermot made the announcement on Friday that he was stepping down from his coveted gig
An ITV spokesman said: 'Dermot's been a fantastic host of The X Factor for the past eight series and we're sorry to see him go. We wish him all the very best for the future and hope that he'll be back on ITV screens soon.'
He sensationally replaced the show's previous presenter Kate Thornton, who had hosted since it began in 2004, after she was sacked by the show's creator and lead judge, Simon.
At the time, Dermot - who was then a little-known presenter who hosted Big Brother spin-off show Big Brother's Little Brother and also for his work on T4 - was only signed up for two series.
Announcement: As well as revealing the sad news in an official statement, Dermot also took to his Twitter page on Friday afternoon to dole out the news
Household name: Over the years, Dermot has become a favourite in households across the UK
Classy gent: He revealed his departure from the show in good spirits, wishing good luck to his sucessor... who has yet to be announced
But he stayed on for eight, and has become one of the nation's best-loved TV presenters.
The former Big Brother’s Little Brother presenter revealed earlier this year that he suspected he was going to be axed as he hadn’t yet been offered a new contract by judge and show boss Simon Cowell.
Dermot said previously: 'We normally sit down February/March but Simon wants to change stuff. So I need to see what changes he is going to make before a) I know if he wants me and b) whether I'm suitable for those changes.'
Beloved: Dermot was a popular fixture on the ratings juggernaut during his eight years of service
He added: 'If he [Simon] turns around and says, "Half your gig is a voiceover", then I will have to think about it. If he lets me do my thing then of course I would do it.'
There would be no hard feelings between Dermot and boss Simon Cowell, as the presenter has previously praised his 'fair' leader.
Dermot said: 'He always lets me get on with my job, which is the biggest compliment he can give me.
In it for the long haul: The popular star joined the show as the host in 2007, taking over from Kate Thornton
'This idea that he sits across everything and says, "I want this to happen, and this to happen" is nonsense.
'He trusts people. He doesn't like "yes men" so if you're in a meeting with him and you disagree with everything he says, you need to bring something else or you won't get invited to that meeting again. He's a good boss, he's a fair boss.'
The show, which has gone through a number of changes in its line-up over the years, featured judges Simon, Mel B, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Louis Walsh in its most recent series.
Familiar face: The hugely popular presenter - seen with judges (l-r) Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Simon Cowell, Mel B and Louis Walsh - has revealed he's stepping back as he plans to move on to other things
Exciting plans: Dermot hasn't made it clear what his ongoing plans are following his departure from the role
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